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By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
THE national track and field squad is still
considered as one of the top performers in the 24th Southeast Asian
Games in Thailand with five gold medals highlighted by two new Games
records.
Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association
president Go Teng Kok expressed satisfaction despite falling short
in his 10-gold medal projection.
“Masuwerte kami dahil naka-limang gintong
medalya kami kahit na limitado lang ang international exposure ng
mga bata. Malaki ang improvement ng mga kalaban natin most
especially Thailand and Vietnam,” said Go.
Athletics placed second with the most number of
mints behind swimming, which produced an impressive eight-gold haul.
“I challenged my wards to produce 10 gold
medals kahit na alam kong medyo mahirap abutin iyon. Pero itinuloy
ko pa rin dahil gusto kong palakasin ang loob nila at ibigay ang
buong tiwala ko,” stressed Go.
“Pero tanggap ko kung anuman ang nakayanan
nila dahil nga kulang sila sa international exposure. Saludo pa rin
ako sa mga atleta ko,” he added.
Long Jump king Henry Dagmil and hammer throw
champion Arniel Ferrera topped their respective events in record
fashion.
The US-trained Dagmil improved his former record
of 7.81 meters in 2005 Manila SEA Games to 7.87.
Ferrera also raised his record of 60.47 meters
registered in Manila SEAG to 60.98.
“Masarap ang pakiramdam dahil alam mong nag-i-improve
ka. Malaking tulong sa akin ’yung training sa US dahil hindi
lamang ang performance mo ang hinahasa nila dahil tinututukan rin
nila kung paano mapapataas ang level of confidence mo sa paglalaro,”
said the 25-year-old Dagmil.
Veterans Rene Herrera (men’s 3,000-m
steeplechase), Julius Nierras (men’s 400-m run) and Marestella
Torres (long jump) also successfully defended their respective
crowns.
Besides five golds, the famous “GTK Army”
also delivered seven silvers and nine bronzes.
Those who pocketed the silver medal were Midel
Dique (men’s 800m), Mary Grace Milgar (women’s 400-m hurdles),
Julius Sermona (men’s 5,000m and men’s 10,000m), Danilo Fresnido
(men’s javelin throw), Rosie Villarito (women’s javelin throw)
and Deborah Samson (women’s pole vault).
The bronze medalists were Elizier Sunang
(men’s shotput), Jobert Delicano (men’s triple jump), Emerson
Obiena (men’s pole vault), Eduardo Buenavista (men’s marathon),
Jho An Banayag (women’s marathon), Mercedita Manipol (women’s
10,00m), Narcisa Atienza (women’s heptathlon), Arnold Villarube
(men’s decathlon) and the men’s 4x400-m relay.
The national tracksters wound up fifth in
athletics behind Thailand’s 17 golds, 19 silvers and 9 bronzes,
Vietnam (8-4-5), Indonesia (7-7-5) and Malaysia (7-3-9).
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