Tracksters see 12 golds in Thailand

Team Philippines could garner as many as 12 gold medals or a minimum of four in the centerpiece athletics event in the 24th Southeast Asian Games slated Dec. 6-16 in Nakhon Ratchisima, Thailand.

National team coach Jojo Posadas, however, said the track and field team will have to get sustained support from both government and private sectors for its buildup for the SEAG in order to complete the mission.

"Give our athletes the proper training and the international exposure and we have a strong chance of performing well in Thailand," said Posadas, wife of retired Southeast Asian Games star Elma Muros.

Posadas is pinning his hopes on long jumper Henry Dagmil and hammer thrower Arnel Ferreira, both SEAG record holders, long jumper Marestella Torres and marathoner Eduardo Buenavista in the country’s gold medal quest.

Others who are capable of winning against an expected talent-laden field are Jimar Aing or Ernie Candelario in the 400-meter run, Rene Herrera in the 3000m steeplechase, Danilo Fresnido in javelin, Mercedita Manipol in 10,000m run, Miguel Dique in 800m run, Joebert Delicano in triple jump and the 4x400m relay squad.

Ralph Waldy Soquilon, who is currently training in the United States, is also tipped to perform well in the 200m or 400m hurdles together with Sheena Atilano in the 400m hurdles.