Miguel Carlos shows off his seven gold medals. — PICTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
VIGAN CITY—Leonelyn Compuesto is just one of countless young sprinters who dream of walking the same path as the legendary Lydia de Vega.
And she is also one of the few young talents to have won a gold medal at the end of this year’s Batang Pinoy national championship.
With five gold medals at the conclusion of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) event on Wednesday, 15-year-old Compuesto, from Masbate, was selected to represent the country at the Asian Youth Athletics Championships. Asia in Uzbekistan early next year .
It will be a step closer to her dream and a great start to following in the footsteps of De Vega, the nation’s immortal athletics hero and former sprint queen of Asia, who has passed away this year.
“She is my idol. They say I can run as fast as Lydia de Vega,” said Compuesto, who wasn’t even born when De Vega made his name in continental athletics in the 80s.
But in addition to achieving his dream, Compuesto, the oldest of five siblings, is determined to lift his family out of poverty not only as a national athlete, but also with grants. Monthly level and competition bonus.
“Besides doing well on the track, I also want to complete my studies and help support my family,” said Compuesto after winning gold in the 100 meters (13.11 seconds), 200 meters event. (26.64 seconds) and the women’s 400 m. (1:0.63) and helped Masbate Sports Academy win the 4×100 m and 4×400 m relays.
Comguesto’s father is a construction worker and her mother is a housewife.
Joining Compuesto in the Asian Junior Athletics Championships as determined by the Philippine Athletics Association (Patafa) here is Nico Villaran of Bacolod City, who finished best in the men’s 110 m hurdles (15.17 seconds), 200 m (23.18 seconds) ) and 400 m hurdles (57.72s).
‘Counseling Program’
Patafa general secretary Edward Kho said: “They have been chosen to represent Team Philippines. They are set to join two other young track and field athletes that Patafa will identify for their meeting in Uzbekistan on April 27, 2023.
“We came here for the Batang Pinoy Olympics to identify the best performers and top eight athletes for our mentorship program. They need constant guidance and encouragement. We will help them become national athletes in the future,” Kho added.
Meanwhile, archer Miguel Carlos has won seven gold medals, making the 12-year-old from Puerto Princesa the most decorated athlete of the Olympics designed to uncover the best athletes. the best in the country aged 15 and under in a variety of sports.
Ilocos Sur host Governor Jerry Singson and PSC President Noli Eala performed the closing ceremonies at Quirino Stadium, where Milo presented special awards to young athletes.
At the end of this five-day meeting, billed as the country’s central grassroots development program, Baguio emerged with the greatest achievement with 29 gold, 27 silver and 35 bronze medals. Laguna is second with 18-10-13 and Quezon City is third (15-9-13).
Rounding out the top 10 are Lapu-Lapu (14-6-5), General Santos (13-12-10), Pasig City (September 13), Iloilo City (October 12-13), Masbate (11 – 7-6), Lucena (11-7-3) and Davao City (9-13-28).
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