ROAD TO PARIS

Nesty Petecio, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, secured a ticket to the Paris Olympics when she beat Esrayildez Kahraman of Turkey, while compatriot Aira Villegas won a unanimous decision over Bulgarian Zlatislava Chukanova in the women’s 50kg to also qualify for the Paris Games. They thus join early qualifiers world number 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena and another boxer Eumir Marcial, bronze medalist in Tokyo. Obiena was the first Filipino to clinch a spot to the Olympics and is looking for a podium finish in 2021 after finishing at 11th place. Obiena qualified for the Olympics after clearing 5.82 meters in the Bauhaus-Galan of the Diamond Leg in Stockhom last year.

OTHER QUALIFIERS

Caloy Yulo secured a spot in Paris with his performance in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in October last year.

Aleah Finnegan, meanwhile, will become the country’s first female gymnast in the Olympics in 60 years. She secured her spot by being among the eligible athletes in the women’s all around qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium last year. She won two gold medals in the Hanoi SEA Games in the vault and team events. Other athletes trying to catch the last bus to Paris are Hidilyn Diaz, skaters Margie Didal and Kiko Francisco and Gilas Filipinas. As I was finishing this column, news came that Fil-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban also secured a spot to the Games after the qualifying tournament in Washington.

That’s seven athletes going to Paris.

LIBERATION OF PANAY 53K ULTRAMARATHON AND 28K RUN

Here’s the results of the highly successful Liberation of Panay 53K Ultramarathon and 28K run.

28K RUN MEN’S 1. Freud Audrey Agarrado 2:17:00 2. Jero Jaro - 2:23:00 3. Mark Castro Bayoneta - 2:30:00 4. Jayson Ayon - 2:31:00 5. Walter Villoga - 2:33:00 WOMEN’S 1. Marille Yogorie Geronimo 3:02:00 2. Adi Binoya - 3:07:00 3. Ivy Ibanez - 3:09:00 4. Jenalyn Johnson - 3:17:00 5. Maria Jara Isulat - 3:26:00 ULTRA 53K MEN’S 1. Joebert Elmaguin - 3:54:00 2. Joseph Heyres - 4:26:00

3. Elmer Sobredo - 4:34:00 4. Rey Endrigano 4:51:00 5. Roe John Miranda - 4:54:00 WOMEN’S 1. Cheche Magramo - 6:06:00

2. Mary Jaranilla Dominado - 6:07:00 3. Hermily Donasco - 6:28:00 4. Krystelle Valencia - 6:32:00 5. Fatima Muyuela - 6:43:00

Congratulations to all runners and to race organizer Boyet Rentoy for a job well done!*