Athletics can win 5 or more gold medals in Laos SEA Games

The Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) said they are looking at winning a minimum of five gold medals in the upcoming 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos this December. This was the statement made by national coach Joseph Sy during Friday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan at Padre Faura where he also mentioned PATAFA’s plan to send a 30-athlete contingent to Laos with at least 10 capable of winning the gold in their respective events. Of the 10 athletes, Sy named long jumpers Henry Dagmil and Marestella Torres, hammer thrower Arniel Ferrera, Julius Nierras (400m run) and Rene Herrera (3,000m steeplechase) as the top gold medal hopes. “All of them were gold medalist in the Thailand SEA Games and indication of their performances in international competitions show that they are capable of dominating their events anew," said Sy. Torres won a pair of gold medals in the recently held Vietnam and Chinese Taipei Open while Ferrera is the reigning SEA Games record holder in the hammer throw. Sy added that Nierras and Herrera remains the fastest among their SEA Games rivals in each of their events. Other potential gold medalist include Eduardo Buenavista and come backing Christabel Martes (marathon), Sheena Atilano (hurdles), Danilo Fresnido (javelin throw) and long distance runner Julius Sermona (5,000 and 10,000m runs) Buenavista will be making his second attempt to win the marathon gold after a disappointing bronze medal finish in Thailand. Other possible gold medalists are Mary Rose Melgar (400m hurdles), Rosie Villarito (javelin throw) and Midel Dique (men’s 800m run). “All our athletes are doing their share in training and are working hard. I’m just hoping that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) continue to extend its financial help on our athletes to fully prepare them for Laos," added Sy. PSC chairman Harry Angping had earlier made a forecast of at least 15 to 20 gold medals but Sy countered by saying that they have still four months left to condition themselves for the biennial meet. “We still have enough time to prepare and have our athletes reach their peak. We won five gold medals in Thailand and I’m really confident matching that feat in Laos won’t be a problem," said Sy. As part of their final preparation, PATAFA is hoping to send athletes to the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam from October 31 to November 2 and the Asian Athletics Association Championships in Guangdong, China from November 8 to 12. Sy said that Thailand remains the team to beat while Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia are the other rivals for gold medals but the Philippines will be ready to spring some surprises. “I believe in the talent of our athletes but what we really need is the support from the PSC. Given the right funding, I’m confident our athletes will deliver in Laos," said Sy. – GMANews.TV