Rodriguez pasok sa World U20 Athletics

MANILA, Philippines — Nakahirit si Jeralyn Rodriguez ng tiket sa prestihiyosong World U20 Athletics matapos ang impresibong ipinamalas nito sa 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships sa ginaganap sa Hong Kong.

Nagrehistro si Rodriguez ng 54.83 segundo sa women’s 400m upang matiyak ang silya nito sa World U20 Athletics Championships na gaganapin sa Oregon, Portland sa Agosto 5 hanggang 9.

“Masaya ako nakamit ko rin ang hinahabol ko na qualification sa world,’’ ani Rodriguez na reig­ning Southeast Asia U20 champion.

Nalampasan ni Rodriguez ang qualification standard na 55.20 segundo.

Makakasama ng two-time Palarong Pambansa gold medalist sina Naomi Cesar (women’s 800m), Ivan Cabanda (men’s 400m hurdles) at Bianca Espenilla (women’s javelin) sa world championships.

“What we are witnessing here is the future of Asian athletics. Seeing athletes from beyond Southeast Asia perform at such an exceptional level ignites a powerful drive in our own,’’ ani Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association President Terry Capistrano.

Nauna nang nakuha ni Rodriguez ang qualifying mark noong 2025 SEA Games sa Bangkok, Thailand. Subalit hindi ito kinilala dahil sa faulty electronic timing system.

“Nakapanghihinayang sa SEA Games pero inisip ko na lang na challenge ito para sa akin para lalo ko pang pag-igihan,’’ ani Rodriguez.

Hindi pinalad sina Sep Placido (women’s 5000m race walk), Jecel Vivas (women’s 100m hurdles), Pi Wangkay (men’s 100m) at Alfredo Talplacido (men’s 400m) sa kani-kanyang events.

Nakatakda pang sumabak sa Hong Kong event sina Vivas (400m hurdles), Espenilla (javelin) at Jerico Cadag (3000m steeplechase).

Suportado ang team ng Philippine Sports Commission kung saan kasama sa delegasyon sina PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco at coaches Roselyn Hamero at Jonah Genilza.