All news tagged Athletics

IBA TALAGA ANG FILIPINA ATHLETE.

She runs fast. She thinks big. And she may only be getting started.

Victoria Bossong came home from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a bronze medal around her neck.

But look beyond the podium, and her story becomes even more fascinating.

At 23, Bossong is already a Harvard University graduate with a degree in Neuroscience, a former NCAA student-athlete, and a researcher who worked in a laboratory at Harvard Medical School.

Now she is a professional runner, testing just how far she can take a career built around the track.

And that career came with a difficult choice.

Bossong once had medical school in her plans. She could have moved directly from an elite academic environment toward a career in medicine.

Instead, she chose to pause that path and give professional running a chance.

That gamble has already taken her to an Asian Games podium.

Competing for the Philippines, Bossong delivered a bronze-medal performance in the women’s 800 meters—adding another major milestone to a résumé that already looks remarkably different from the typical athlete’s.

Think about the combination:

Harvard.
Neuroscience.
Medical research.
NCAA athletics.
Professional running.
Asian Games medalist.

That is not simply a story about an athlete who can run fast.

It is a story about range.

Bossong’s journey is a reminder that athletic excellence does not have to exist in a vacuum. An athlete can chase podiums while pursuing serious academic goals. She can spend years studying science and still dedicate herself to the brutal demands of high-level competition.

And perhaps most importantly, she has allowed herself to choose a path that is not completely predictable.

For now, the track has her attention.

The Philippines has already seen what happens when Bossong brings her talent to the biggest stage in Asia: a bronze medal and another reason to celebrate Filipino athletics. 🇵🇭🥉

But there may be much more ahead.

Another podium. Another personal best. Perhaps, one day, medical school.

Whatever direction she takes, her story should not be reduced to the color of one medal.

The bronze is the achievement she brought home from Nagoya. Her ambition is the story that continues.

Victoria Bossong has already shown how fast she can run.

Now comes the more intriguing question:

How far can she go?

The second Galaxy Manila Marathon, happening this Sunday, August 10, at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, has drawn a record 19,000 participants—solidifying its status as one of the Philippines’ largest running events for 2025.

The international marathon, organized by Runrio Inc., features 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km categories, with ₱700,000 in total cash prizes. Both the male and female winners of the 42km race will each receive ₱100,000.

Race director and international marathoner Rio de la Cruz shared that the 21km category alone attracted 7,000 runners—their biggest half-marathon turnout yet. The full marathon drew 3,000 participants, the 10k had 5,200, and the 5k nearly 4,000.

With this surge in participation, Runrio Managing Director Andrew Neri stressed the implementation of heightened safety measures: “We doubled security, medical staff, and ambulances. Safety is our top priority.”

Sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and included in the World Athletics rankings, the event will showcase elite local and international runners, including national team members Christine Hallasgo, Artjoy Torregosa, Richard Salano, and Arlan Arbois, as well as competitors from Japan, the U.S., the UK, Kenya, and more.

“This is also a SEA Games qualifying race for the national team,” de la Cruz noted, referencing the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

The marathon will cover notable Metro Manila routes, passing through Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque, including landmarks like Rizal Park, Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, and the CCP Complex.

Gun start times:

42km: 12:00 midnight

21km: 4:00 a.m.

10km: 5:00 a.m.

5km: 5:30 a.m.

Defying age and expectations, the 105-year-old Sawang Janpram of Thailand made headlines last Sunday by winning two gold medals at the 2025 World Masters Games. 

Competing in the 100+ age group, he claimed first place in both the men’s javelin and 100-meter dash.

Sawang was the sole competitor in both events, recording a javelin throw of 10.55 meters and finishing the 100-meter sprint in 38.55 seconds.

Sawang began his regular exercise at age 80, inspired by a close friend who became bedridden and by his daughter, whose health dramatically improved through physical activity.

He is a retired schoolteacher and former elementary school principal, Sawang is determined not to follow the same path as his immobile friend. Instead, he embraced an active lifestyle that would later take him to global sporting events.

He started competing internationally at age 97 and credits the experience not only with enhancing his health but also with helping him build friendships across the world.

“Next, I hope to compete in more countries and eventually become a world champion. Staying active keeps me alive and connected,” Sawang said.

Sawang’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and the lifelong value of movement—no matter your age.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to deliver a more dynamic and inclusive grassroots sports program with the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2025, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 30 in General Santos City.

This year’s edition of Batang Pinoy aims to further encourage Filipino youth to engage in sports, develop their athletic potential, and embrace the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

According to PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, the 2025 Batang Pinoy will showcase competitions in 27 sports disciplines, including Aquatics (Swimming), Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3×3), Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Dancesport, Futsal, Gymnastics, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Karate, Muay Thai, Pencak Silat, Soft Tennis, Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling and Wushu. 

Chairman Bachmann also emphasized that this year’s event will be grander and more organized, with modern equipment and facilities, and better logistics and accommodations for all participating athletes.

“Our main objective for this year’s Batang Pinoy is to provide the delegates an excellent experience as if they are already competing in a global level of competition they usually see in televisions and social media,” Bachman said. 

In addition to upgrading the overall competition experience, the PSC is committed to expanding participation from regions across the country, ensuring that young athletes from various provinces have the opportunity to compete and grow.

“Batang Pinoy is not just about discovering future champions,  It’s also about instilling values that shape character—discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship.” Bachman added.