Sporting Gold

Marestella Torres ended the Philippines’ 22-year gold medal drought in the Asian track and field championships when she ruled the women’s long jump at the Guangdong Olympic Center in Guangzhou, China.

Torres, a 28-year-old veteran, leaped 6.51 meters in difficult conditions to beat Chinese Chen Yaling and Japanese Sachiko Masumi who each could only manage 6.28 meters.

The Filipina entered the event as a darkhorse with Chen expected to win before home fans.

But after Torres made the winning jump on her third attempt, the Chinese coach approached national coach Joseph Sy to congratulate him.

“Nang makatalon si Marestella ng 6.51 sa third jump, kinamayan na ako ng Chinese coach, alam nya, mahihirapan ang ibang athletes na humabol sa ganung condition ng panahon,” recalled Sy who headed the token five-man delegation.

It was a remarkable showing for Torres whose best finish in the event was third during the 2002 Asian championship in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The last time the Philippines won in the Asian event came in 1987 when the legendary Lydia de Vega completed a sprint double in Singapore.

Torres is the defending Southeast Asian Games champion and one of the country’s medal hopes next month in Laos.

Sy said Torres is motivated to perform well and look forward to the SEA Games.

“Na-correct lang namin ang mga dapat maayos para mas maganda ang maging performance nya,” he said.

 

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3. Langit captures Asian Aquathlon Gold
4. Rowers bag gold, silver in Taiwan Dragon Boat Festival
5. Pinoy team wins Gold in Asian Pastry Cup

 

 

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