Rabia scores golden treble

CEBU - Jhaye Rabia of Minglanilla became the first triple gold medallist of the Cebu Provincial Sports and Cultural Festival 2008 after sweeping all his events in elementary athletics competition yesterday at the Liloan Central School track oval.

Rabia, who bagged his first two golds in shotput and discus throw, completed a rare treble after winning the javelin throw event with a distance of 30.05 meters.

“I am glad that I was able to make this improvement this year. This is indeed a great motivation for me to excel in my next events especially now, I am aiming for the Palaro games,” said Rabia.

Jogie Briones and Nathaniel Rosello of Daanbantayan swept the golds in the 100m hurdles, Briones clocked in 20.55 seconds, while Rosello registered the time of 21.98 seconds.

Bantayan, on the other hand, raked in three more golds from Rosemarie Fernandez in the triple jump with a distance of 8.44m, Junaline Layese in 800m run with a time of two minutes and 42.86 seconds, and Leo Sayson in the boys triple jump with 9.20m.

Gia Bucag of Balamban snatched the girls discus throw gold with 22.64m, while Jonel Birac of Pinamungajan lorded it over in long jump event with 4.38m.

In the secondary athletics, Bantayan’s Michael Alob, Jeza Bautista and Joemar Abello came up with golden performances.

Alob, who dominated the 400m hurdles, topped the 110m hurdles in 17.64 seconds, while Bautista, after her long jump gold the other day, reigned supreme in the triple jump with 9.5m.

The boys triple jump gold went to Abello in 12.37m.

Dalaguete’s Cherry Lyn Carteng ruled the ladies 100m hurdles with a time of 20.51 seconds and Jeremy Buro of Pinamungajan prevailed in the javelin throw with 47.67m.

Host Liloan and Alcantara dominated the archery event, while defending champion Badian, only secured one gold.

Liloan lady archer Janine Mae Tausa took three golds in a row after outclassing her opponents in the 30m, 50m and 30-50m ½ FITA round categories.

On the other hand, Badian’s Kriatina Luz Tapales and Mary Joyce Velos settled for the second and third place, respectively, in the said events.

In the men’s division, Alcantara’s James Clint Catapusan secured two golds in the 30 m and 30-50 m ½ FITA round events.

Badian’s lone gold came from Jason De Castro, who topped the 50m event. He only ranked second in the other two categories. - THE FREEMAN