ILOCOS SUR, Philippines — Archer Miguel Carlos of Puerto Princesa and sprinter Leonelyn Compuesto of Masbate dominated their respective events to crown themselves prince and princess of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy that concluded here yesterday.
Carlos, 12, emerged as the most be-medalled athlete in the country’s centerpiece grassroots program with a fantastic seven-gold performance following triumphs in 20 meters, 25m, 30m, 40m, 1440, Olympic round and mixed event with Lizette Mayumi Rioja at the San Ildefonso Central School grounds.
Compuesto, 15, completed a magnificent sweep of the girls’ sprint events as she reigned supreme in the 200m, 400m, 4x100m and, just yesterday, the 100m and 4x100m with Realyn Lanuza, Jesalyn Materdan and Alessandra Nicole Capellan.
In the century dash, the 15-year-old Masbate Sports Academy standout had to survive South Cotabato’s Schenley Faye Ombid in a photo-finish in ruling the event and emerging the fastest girl of the Games.
Compuesto clocked 13.11.103 seconds against Ombid’s 13:11.109.
When it was over, Compuesto hugged her teammates who were in tears. She passed out in exhaustion and was rushed to the nearby clinic where she regained consciousness.
“Para po ito kay Lydia de Vega. Siya po ang idol at hero ko,” said Compuesto referring to the track icon who passed away last August.
Baguio came out on top with a 29 golds, 27 silvers and 35 bronzes ahead of Laguna (18-10-13) and Quezon City (15-9-13).