Jabol first BP double gold winner

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Jason Jabol hit two birds with one stone yesterday as the track and field standout from Dasmariñas, Cavite became the first double gold medalist of the 2017 Batang Pinoy Luzon leg at the President Quirino Stadium here.

Jabol, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student from Immaculate Concepcion Academy, captured the boys’ long jump event before capturing the centerpiece 100meter final to complete a double that happened almost at the same time.

He made a leap of 6.18 meters, immediately went to the track and take the century dash at 11.35 seconds before returning to the long jump competition where his opponents failed to match his earlier attempt, thus completing the double.

“Inabangan ko lang kung may makaka-break dun sa ginawa ko pagbalik ko kaya hindi na ako nag-attempt sa fourth and fifth. Nag-try ako sa sixth attempt na lagpasan yung ginawa ko, pero hindi ko nalagpasan,” said Jabol.

Indeed, long jump rivals Angelo Lobusta of Pangasinan and Kharl Berjuela of Muntinlupa were a far cry from Jabol’s record after posting 5.89m and 5.88m, respectively, for silver and bronze.

Makati’s Claveland Joel Mallari timed 11.52sec settled for silver in the 100m while Berjuela came in third again behind Jabol with 11.79sec.

Jabol’s teammate Charlaine De Ocampo and Jan Mervin Francisco also shared the limelight after ruling the girls 400m hurdles (67.99sec) and boys javelin throw (47.69m), respectively.

Other gold medal winners were Mark Anthony Estoya of Pasig in the boys 2000m (11:00.69), Patrick Tolentino of Zambales in boys high jump (1.73m), Jaspher Delfino of Camarines Sur in boys 5000m (17:12.20), Rea Rafanan of Pangasinan in girls long jump (4.87m), Laurice Jeante Wangkay of Laguna in girls 2000m walk (12:12.74), Kristel Joy Natividad of Tarlac in girls 100m (13.06sec) and Jan Rey Gallano of Laguna in boys 400m hurdles (62.37sec).

Also at the stadium, Anya Austriaco of Muntinlupa snared two golds in swmming after ruling the girls 12-under 100m freestyle (1:03.54) and 200m individual medley (2:41.31).

Quezon City bets Zoe Hilario also shone in the girls 1315 200m IM (2:3.33) and Althea Baluyot girls 13-15 100m

free (1:03.19).