Bagsit sparks 4-gold romp in Taipei tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Upcoming Archand Christian Bagsit led the Philippines’ impressive showing in the Asian Inter-City Athletics Meet held at the Taipei Stadium over the weekend.

Bagsit, a 19-year-old discovery from Letran College, won the gold in the 400m run with a time of 48.20 seconds to cap the Philippine participation.

Junrey Bano also struck in the 400m hurdles with his time of 52.26 as well as Narcisa Atienza who won the high jump gold with her 1.65 meters.

The men’s 4 x 400 relay team delivered the fourth gold for the Philippines in the two-day meet with its time of 3:11.57.

“These are the future of Philippine athletics. I am very impressed with Bagsit,” said Philippine athletics chief Go Teng Kok, hoping that the brightest from among his crop of 24 newcomers can make it to the SEA Games in November.

The Philippines won silver medals in the 400m courtesy of Julius Nierras (48.54), Julius Sermona in the 5k run (14:57.35) and Atienza in the long jump (5.57m).

The lone bronze was won by Rosie Villarito in the women’s javelin (47.69).

Go said the Pinoy young track bets have been on a roll this year with impressive showings in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong.