Versatile PCU trackster cops second gold

Antonio Mendenilla, a three-dimensional high school trackster, yesterday became the first double gold medalist in the athletics competition of the second Manila Youth Games at the Rizal Memorial oval.

Barley 15 and standing 5-foot-4, Mendenilla ruled the century dash for boys aged 13 to 15 for his second gold in the weeklong event which gives the children of Manila, including the out-of-school youths, a chance to show, test and hone their athletic skills in 14 disciplines.

Mendenilla, who won the race in 12.05 seconds, also ruled the long jump the other day and looked forward to winning a third one — the high jump scheduled late yesterday afternoon.

"Naka-tsamba lang po," said the third year student of Philippine Christian University who also happens to be the reigning National Athletic Association (NCAA) long jump champion.

The official results are coming in trickles, making it very difficult for mediamen covering the event to determine the final placings, particularly those in events being played in venues outside of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

"Nalilito sa dami ng tumatakbo," a race official was overheard as saying after one of the track races yesterday.

Nonetheless, MYG chief organizer Ali Atienza the other day received in behalf of Manila a plaque of recognition for the city’s invaluable support to local sports development from Philippine Sports Commission chair Eric Buhain.

For all his efforts in running the show, Atienza, a former Asian taekwondo champion, deserved the award though.

Also winning a gold for PCU and joining Mendenilla in the mild celebrations was Rolando Banan who, under the terrible summer heat, won the boys’ 13-15 triple jump at 11.50 meters.

Banan is a 14-year-old second-year student and former silver medalist in the NCAA.

Dr. Albert Elementary School also copped two athletics golds in the fourth day of the games courtesy of Daryl Ceballos and Angelica Tiquer.

Ceballos, 12, topped the boys’ 12-under century dash in 13.42 seconds while Tiquer, 13, towered over the rest of the field in winning the girls’ 13-15 high jump at 11.50 meters.

After sealing the victory, Tiquer tried three times to clear 11.80, but failed. "Ayoko na, tumatama ang tuhod ko sa mukha ko," she said after her last try.

Also winning one among the 20 golds at stake in athletics yesterday was former Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Khristine Marie Cabrera of Aurora A. Quezon (not Aurora Aquino as earlier reported) Elementary School who won the girls’ 13-15 century dash in 15.01 seconds.