RP tracksters to live up to golden billing

(Editor’s note: This is the third of a series of articles on the Philippines’ participation to the 22nd Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam).

When it comes to the Southeast Asian Games, the Philippines has always been a force to reckon with in athletics.

That, according to RP track and field president Go Teng Kok, won’t change this year.

Based on records gathered by his office, the prominent sports official said his wards are even bound to do better than the 2001 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games where they won nine gold, 10 silver and four bronze medals.

It was the biggest medal haul among the 32 national sports associations that sent athletes to the Malaysian capital. Bowling and wushu won four gold medals each–their combined output not even enough to match the nine of athletics.

Overall, the Philippines landed a dismal fifth with 31 gold, 65 silver and 67 bronze medals. But if not for athletics, the 2001 Games could have been a lot worse for the country.

The Philippines first joined the SEA Games in 1977. Since then, track and field has delivered 64 gold, 80 silver and 72 bronze for a whopping total of 215 medals. Only shooting has more medals under its belt at 246–but with less golds (41-92-113).

Swimming and weightlifting are next with 180 and 151 medals with 51 golds each. Bowling has 120 (47-39-34) followed by boxing with 105 (38-29-38).

In this context, Go said his athletes, also known as "GTK’s Army," are even more determined to do well this year and, once again, carry the load for the country trying to climb the ladder as it gears up for its hosting of the biennial event in 2005.

"I’m really confident that we can surpass the nine gold medals we won two years ago. And we base our predictions on records," said Go, whose athletes are in the final phase of their preparations for the SEA Games scheduled Dec. 5 to 13.

Athletics, the centerpiece event of any multi-sport event, offers 43 gold medals in Hanoi. To win a quarter of those against nine other countries, according to Go, will be another achievement.

"I don’t want to brag about it but I also don’t want my athletes to think that I don’t have confidence in them. If they say that they can win the gold, then I’m sure that they can win the gold," said Go, who recently hosted the Asian Amateur Athletics Championships where 44 countries were represented.

Eduardo Buenavista is the favorite in the three events he’s entered in–the 3,000 steeplechase, 5,000- and 10,000-meter runs.

"Pipilitin ko makuha ang tatlo (I’ll try my best to win all three)," said the Buenavista who, with his five-foot frame, will carry an additional load, being the flag-bearer of the RP delegation for the opening ceremonies in Hanoi.

Aside from Buenavista, other gold hopefuls for the Philippines are Lerma Bulauitan and Maristela Torres (long jump), John Lozada (800-m), Ernie Candelario (400-m), Dandy Gallenero (javelin), Fidel Gallenero (decathlete), Jimar Aing, Rodrigo Tanuan, Romy Marfil and Candelario (4x400-m), Arnel Ferrera (hammer throw), Roy Vence (marathon) and backup Rene Herrera (1,500-m).

Despite reports that the Philippine Sports Commission is late in providing their vital needs like training equipment and vitamins, the team members are up in Baguio City training hard for the battle in Vietnam.

"What else can we do but wait for all these PSC promises. Pangako spike shoes wala pa. Pangako vitamins wala pa. Puro pangako," Go told The STAR yesterday, barely a week before the team leaves for Vietnam.

"However, rest assured that my athletes will do their best for flag and country," he said.