Roger Tapia Explained

Roger Tapia
Hometown:Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Country:Philippines
Sport:Para-athletics
Disability:Congenital amputation
Disability Class:T46

Roger Tapia is a Filipino para-athlete who competed in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London.[1]

Early life and education

Born with a speech impairment caused by a cleft lip and without his left arm.[2] Tapia began running at age 5[2] due to his brother being a runner.[1] He attended the José Rizal University and was part of the school's athletics team.[1] He is a native of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.[3]

Career

Tapia competed in local tournaments for Ilocos Norte winning in events against abled-bodied athletes. This includes the 2008 Palarong Pambansa, the national student-athlete games.[4] [3]

Tapia represented the Philippines at the 2011 ASEAN Para Games where he bagged a gold in the 400m event and two silvers in the 100m and 200m events.[2]

He qualified for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London through the April 2012 Malaysia Open where he clocked 23.56 seconds in the 200m race. He competed in the T46 classification.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Roger Tapia – Athletics : Paralympic Athlete Profile . International Paralympic Committee . 27 August 2021 .
  2. News: Rappler Newscast May 2, 2012 . 27 August 2021 . Rappler . 2 May 2012 .
  3. News: Adriano . Leilanie . Ilocos Norte folk have high hopes for Ph Paralympic athlete . 27 August 2021 . Yahoo! . VERA Files . 1 September 2012 .
  4. News: Palaro, sports and the physically challenged . 27 August 2021 . Rappler . 7 May 2012 .
  5. News: Imee gives pocket money to Filipino Paralympic . 27 August 2021 . ABS-CBN News . 18 August 2012.