SINGAPORE— Probably playing in his first and last ASEAN School Games, Filipino triple jumper John Marvin Rafols did not want to end his campaign on a losing note as he fulfilled his long-time dream of bringing honor to his country.
Rafols, a Grade 12 student of the University of Cebu, registered a personal-best 15.02 leap in the triple jump event to finally win that elusive gold medal.
After only salvaging the bronze medal in the long jump event, Rafols bested rival Srinonta Nattapong of Thailand, who recorded a 14.91-meter leap as the latter snagged the silver.
Rafols’ teammate Karl Arvyn Aquino, who already captured the long jump event gold, settled for the bronze with 14.88 leap.
“I am really happy to bring honor for the country. Big blessing for me as an athlete,” said the 18-year-old eldest son of Josephine, sales clerk, and Marvin.
Rafols admitted that he gets nervous easily especially during big competitions.
“Mahirap dito (International). Kelangan ng confidence. Hindi kasi kilala ang kalaban. Pero nagdasal lang ako before ‘yung turn ko,” said Rafols who underwent two weeks of training at the Philsports in Pasig City in preparation for the ASG.
But when his turn came, Rafols, knew he can win the gold medal after Nattapong from Thailand fell short on his target distance during his last jump.
It was only a matter of time as Rafols delivered the country’s 10th gold in the sporting event that aims to strengthen ties among ASEAN member countries among student-athletes.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of their opponents’ tired legs, the Philippine girls’ basketball team orchestrated a convincing performance in the payoff period to stun defending champion Thailand, 77-75.
Cager Kristine C. Cayabyab sealed Team Philippines’ victory with a key steal in the dying seconds of the game. Cayabyab also added 10 points, six of which came in the fourth.
Meanwhile, Thailand thrashed the Philippines in the boys’ basketball event on Monday afternoon, 64-53.
Over at the Bishan Sports Hall, Justine Ace de Leon of Philippines claimed the gold medal in the vault finals with a score of 13.600. He bested Lincoln Forest Liqht Man of Singapore (12.900) and Thar Aung Htet of Myanmar (12.575).
Man snatched the silver while Htet settled for bronze.