By Yako Colgante
CAPAS, Tarlac — National steeplechasers Junel Gobothia and Jessa Mae Roda showcased significant improvement in their preparations for the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, successfully defending their titles in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium.
Competing on Independence Day, Gobothia delivered a commanding performance in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase, pulling away over the final three laps to secure the gold medal in 9 minutes and 8.35 seconds.
Roda matched her teammate's feat in the women's division, executing a patient race strategy before unleashing a strong finishing kick in the final 100 meters to overtake fellow national team member Edna Magtubo and capture the title in 10:38.57.
Their victories highlighted remarkable progress from their recent performances at the New Taipei City Athletics Open in Chinese Taipei, where Gobothia clocked 9:15.39 for silver while Roda finished fifth in 11:18.86.
The two athletes are now focused on meeting the qualifying standards for the Asian Games in Japan.
"Mas maganda ito kaysa sa huli kong takbo sa Taiwan dahil hinahabol namin ni coach Vertek ang qualifying time para sa Asian Games na 8:36.57," said Gobothia, who secured his third gold medal in the country's premier athletics competition.
Gobothia's coach, former Southeast Asian Games steeplechase champion Vertek Buenavista, expressed confidence in his athlete's potential.
"Kung puwede, mariin kong irerekomenda si Gobothia bilang isa sa ating steeplechasers para sa Asian Games. Malaki ang improvement niya at naniniwala akong kaya pa niyang pababain ang kanyang oras," Buenavista said.
Buenavista likewise threw his support behind Roda's Asian Games aspirations despite the challenging qualifying mark of 9:47.53.
Roda credited patience and timing for her victory.
"Naghintay lang po ako ng pagkakataon at hindi agad nagpabilis sa mga unang ikot dahil baka ako ang maubusan sa dulo," she said.
"Malakas din si Magtubo kaya noong nakita ko ang oportunidad sa huling 100 metro at may natitira pa akong lakas, doon ko na ibinuhos lahat."
The victory also marked Roda's third gold medal in the championship.
Also delivering a standout performance was FEU's Rica Balderama, who set a new personal best of 5.89 meters to retain the women's long jump crown.
The 22-year-old Balderama was aiming to breach the six-meter barrier as she seeks a spot in the inaugural Asian Under-23 Championships scheduled in Ordos, China. The qualifying standard stands at 6.30 meters.
"Kaunti na lang sa takeoff, akala ko makukuha ko na ang six meters. Sayang, pero masaya pa rin ako dahil nakapag-record ako ng bagong personal best," said Balderama, a native of Irosin, Sorsogon.
She also took pride in defending her title against a competitive international field.
Singapore's Enya "Chloe" Chee settled for silver with a leap of 5.79 meters, while Malaysia's Aliya Nasaruddin claimed bronze at 5.76 meters.
The ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships is organized by Philippine Athletics and supported by BCDA, New Clark City, ICTSI Foundation, CEL Logistics Inc., UAAGI Auto Group Inc., Pocari Sweat, Clark Water, Energya, and Masiv Sports.
