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2014 Philippine National Games: Cramps halt Udtohan gold attempt in junior men's 100m dash
The Philippine National Games went into high gear over the weekend after opening ceremonies on Friday with a bit of a shock in the Saturday finals of the junior men's 100-meter dash involving 2014 Palarong Pambansa speedster, Jomar E. Udtohan.
Udtohan was mere seconds away from the gold Saturday afternoon when he lost leg power as his right thigh twitched. He was favored to win the gold after topping the morning runs of that day.
The gold went to Micael Mana-ay of Bacolod (11.26), the silver to Romnick Nor of the University of Santo Tomas (11.27) and the bronze, to Christopher Lirazan (11.35). Udtohan settled for sixth place (11.81).
Medics immediately attended to Udtohan, identified the injured muscle, and applied cold packs to reduce the swelling.
Coach Joselito Gando of San Sebastian College – Recoletos said there was some risk in Udtohan's participation in the PNG so soon after the Palaro. He said he instructed Udtohan not to risk injury if and when his body suddenly experiences trouble.
“We entered into only two events because we were aware of the risk. We also recognized that PNG organizers needed good runners to choose from for future competitions,” Gando told GMA News Online as the medics were with the athlete from San Rafael, Bulacan.
“Sayang. Kaya ko sana iyon. Malapit na,” Udtohan said, expressing his disappointment.
Jomar Udtohan, who ruled the 100-meter dash in the 2014 Palarong Pambansa, suffered leg cramps while running in the junior men's 100-meter dash in the Philippine National Games on Saturday. Earl Victor Rosero, GMA News
“Sayang. Kaya ko sana iyon. Malapit na,” Udtohan said, expressing his disappointment.
Coach Gando was quick to counsel the lad that his well-being was more important and that other races still lay ahead. “Marami pang ibang races,” the coach said.
Udtohan was later brought to a nearby hospital. Gando said in a text to GMA News Online that as per the doctor, the San Sebastian trackster had muscle spasms.
In the senior men's 100 meters, Eric Cray of De la Salle University won the gold, Eddie Edward Jr. from Sabah, the silver, and Noli Torres, the bronze.
The women's 100 meters final saw Princess Joy Griffey (12.02), Hanelyn Loquinto 12.97), and Patricia Angela Monsod (13.42) for the top three finish.
The 2014 PNG concludes on May 25. The PNG, according to the Philippine Sports Commission, "serves as the main source of possible composition of the National Pool Athletes that will compete in international sport arena such as Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games." — GMA News
