Hard work pays off for Vence, Martes

KUALA LUMPUR (Via Globe Telecoms) — A veteran marathoner from Cebu and a lady sprinter who went into long-distance running two years ago turned in the last two golds of athletics at the break of dawn and gave the Philippines a second-best eight-gold haul behind overall winner Thailand in the 21st Southeast Asian Games here yesterday.

Roy Vence pulled away from the eight-man field, including teammate Allan Ballester, in the last 10 kilometers as he finally fulfilled his dream of winning the gold after three failed attempts since the 1993 SEA Games and 11 years with the national pool.

He won the 42.125 km race in two hours, 23 minutes, 51 seconds.

"Pinangako ko noon sa sarili ko na magiging champion ako sa SEA Games, at matatalo ko rin ang mga idolo ko na sina Mario Castro at ibang mga coaches ko ngayon," said Vence, who finished second to Ballester in last year’s Milo marathon in Manila and won the bronze in 1995 SEAG.

Cristabel Abenoja Martes, an Ilocano runner from Naguilian, La Union, took the other gold with a time of 2:52.43.

"It’s a great feeling to win the gold for our country," said Martes, an education graduate from the Benguet State University, who was discovered barely two years ago as a competitor in the sprints of the Baguio Flower festival athletic competitions.

The twin victories brought to eight the total number of gold medals won by the Nationals who beat Malaysia for second place with a better silver-bronze haul of 11-4. Malaysia also had eight golds, half of what it had expected to win, but was third with only 5-9 silver-bronze medals.

Despite a hamstring injury which nagged him in the first 20 kilometers, Vence carried the fight with a brave heart, surging ahead with still 12 kilometers left when his pursuers started to fade away.

"Nakita kong humihina sila kaya pinilit ko nang lumayo," said Vence.

He said he will use the prize of P100,000 from the Philippine Sports Commission to build a house in Antipolo. The GMA Foundation is also putting in an undisclosed amount for the gold medal winner.ang karangalan," said Vence.