SIMEON TORIBIO

(ATHLETICS , 1905-1969 )

Considered as the "Filipino Field Athlete of the Half Century" and "Asia's Best Athlete", the pride of Zamboanga City shot to fame for winning gold medals in high jump event of the Far Eastern Olympics in 1921, 1923, 1927, 1930 and 1934.

His biggest achievement, however, was grabbing a bronze medal in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.

As recounted by author Jorge Afable, he could have won the gold medal, if not only for the "call of nature." It was a grueling four-hour competition to jump over the bar raised at six feet and six inches high.

Toribio, who once made the jump, failed to overcome it the second time because he was distressed by call of nature. Before this, Toribio narrowly missed the bronze in the 1928 Amsterdam Games.

In 1930, Toribio was awarded the Helms World Trophy for being Asia's greatest athlete.

Aside from being a decorated athlete having represented the Philippines in three consecutive Summer Olympics, Toribio also excelled in the field of academe and politics.

Toribio, who studied at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, later became a lawyer. In 1941, he was elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines, representing the Second District of Bohol. He served until 1953.

In recognition of his invaluable contribution to the Boholanos as a dedicated public servant, a medical center has been established in his honor - the Cong. Simeon G. Toribio Memorial Hospital located in Poblacion Sur, Carmen, Bohol.