UST javelin thrower upsets veterans
University of Santo Tomas standout Lanie Carpentero pulled off an upset against seasoned rivals in the women’s javelin throw event of the 2024 ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships Friday morning, May 10, at the Philsports Oval in Pasig City. Winner of the silver in Ilagan last year, the 24-year-old Carpentero made sure to complete the task this time as she tallied 46.49 meters to outlast Malaysia’s Jing Xuan Ng (45.57m) and national team member Palabrica Evalyn (45.29m) who settled for second and third places, respectively.
“Hindi ko po in-expect na manalo ng gold dito sa National Open, kasi for the past few weeks busy po ako sa acads and di po ako gaanong [natutukan] ‘yong training,” said Carpentero, who hails from Misamis Occidental.
“Pero ga-grab ko po ‘yong opportunity if matawag po ako [for national team] and gusto ko pong i-represent 'tong bansa” she added.
Earlier, Fil-heritage track stars Lauren Hoffman and Robyn Brown set up an exciting clash in the women’s 400m hurdle event finals after going 1-2 in the morning heat. Veteran Eric Cray will also see action in the men's side of the race.
Junel Gobotia bested 36 other hopefuls after clocking 9 minutes and 20.6 seconds to take the gold in the 3000m steeplechase.
Meanwhile, Fil-american shot put ace William Morrison III made noise after topping men’s shot put and discus throw events.
In women’s 200m, as expected, Tokyo Olympian Kristina “KK” Knott ruled the event in 23.48 seconds while teammate Angel Frank (24.56sec) and Filam Sports’ Danae Manibog (24.72sec) took the silver and bronze medals, respectively. In the men’s side, Marc Brian Louis timed in 21.14sec for the top spot.