GTK confident athletics to win first gold

It’s in the bag for Team Philippines.

With no serious threat up ahead, Maristella Torres and Lerma Gabito are strongly expected to dominate women’s long jump when athletics competition fires off today at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

"The first gold of the Philippines will come from athletics," yesterday declared Go Teng Kok, the outspoken head of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association.

"There’s just no competition. Maristella and Lerma are too good for the others. Even with their feet tied, they can win the gold," said Go on the eve of the athletics opener.

Torres, whose chiseled frame mirrors her toughness on the track, is the Philippine record-holder in women’s long jump, posting 6.63 meters in Incheon, Korea two months ago.

Therefore, she is also tipped to break the existing SEA Games record of 6.52 established by compatriot Elma Muros Posadas during the 1989 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

"Although I’m very much confident of my chances, it’s still different when most expect so much of me. I don’t want to let my countrymen down. I’m not promising anything but I’ll do my best," said Torres.

Gabito has a personal best of 6.56 and, depending on the breaks, is also capable of pulling it off.

"Although Maristella has been more consistent lately, Lerma is also a strong bet for the gold. It will actually be a battle between the two of them," said Go.

"In fact, I think Maristella can clinch the gold in just one try. If she feels it’s good enough for the gold, then she won’t take a second jump," said Go, also the president of the RP chess association.

The long jump final is scheduled at 9 a.m.

Torres is also entered in the 4x100 relay along with Gabito, Muros and Honey Joy Ortaliz. The final of the event is scheduled Tuesday.

There are only three gold medals at stake in athletics today, the two others being women’s pole vault and women’s high jump, two events where the Filpinos are the underdogs.

Mikaela Santos and Fil-American beauty Deborah Samson will vie in the pole vault while Narcisa Atienza will try her luck in the high jump.

The other athletics events on tap today are heats in men’s century dash featuring the Philippines’ Ralph Soguilon and the women’s 100m where Gabito and Ortaliz will compete.

"I’m sure they will reach the finals. Then we’ll take it from there," said Go.