LA UNION, Philippines – Surfing champion Roger Casugay doesn't consider himself a hero despite saving his Indonesian rival two days ago.
“No, I'm not a hero,” Casugay said. “I didn't really save him from drowning. He is a good swimmer. I just calmed him down.”
Casugay went viral on social media. In the last heat on Friday, December 6, Casugay was battling Arip Nurhidiyat when the Indonesian's surfboard had its leash detached during the men's longboard event of the Southeast Asian Games at Monaliza Point here.
And from many accounts, Casugay rescued Nurhidiyat without regards for the result. (READ: 'Heart of gold': Pinoy SEA Games surfer lauded for saving competitor from drowning)
The two resumed their heat early Sunday morning, December 8, and Casugay prevailed, setting up an all-Filipino finale against local favorite Rogelio Esquivel Jr.
In the title round, Casugay emerged as champion with a score of 14.50, narrowly beating Esquivel's 14.20 mark. (READ: Hero surfer Casugay beats Indonesian he saved before golden ride)
Casugay said he might keep the windfall from his winning in the bank.
“I have so many plans,” he said.
Casugay's girlfriend of 3 years, Lisa Verweij, brought her family all the way from Netherlands to cheer him.
“I’m so happy for him,” she said.
On Casugay’s heroism, Verweij said he did it out of humanity.
In the finals, Casugay also did something heroic for himself during the all-Filipino duel of the longboard open.
Halfway through his 25-minute battle with Esquivel, Casugay's surfboard broke.
He quickly went ashore and had it replaced.
Meanwhile, Esquivel managed to ride a wave and scored a 7.25, one of the best in the day.
Casugay paddled back and luckily got a clean wave and scored a whopping 8.75.
Getting more aggressive, he again rode the next wave with 4 minutes remaining and scored 5.75 points for a total of 14.5 points.
With only a minute and thirty seconds, Esquivel caught his last wave and surfed it till the end.
Needing more than 7.30 points, his last surf scored 6.95 or a total of 14.20 points.
Esquivel was the first to reach shore, needing oxygen for his last ditch effort. His townmates surrounded him with consolations.
But the day indeed belongs to the instant hero. – Rappler.com
