The next big thing in track?

The search for the next big thing in athletics continues, propelled by the measurable success of the Philippines in the Asian Games. Gold medalist EJ Obiena is starting a program to help future pole vaulters to reach his level of achievement. Obiena’s magnanimity is fueled by the windfalls he has been receiving from various patrons and sponsors after his big splash in Hangzhou. But there are already others in athletics who are worthy of some added attention.

On Oct. 3, the quartet of Umajesty Williams, Michael Carlo del Prado, Joyme Sequita and Frederick Ramirez set a new national record in the men’s 4 x 400-meter run of three minutes and 6.15 seconds at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. This broke the 38-year-old record of 3:06.58 set in the 1985 Southeast Asian Games by the legendary Isidro del Prado (Michael’s father), Marlon Pagalilavan, Romeo Gido, and Honesto Larce. One name in the new record-holding team is beginning to generate big buzz.

Twenty-five-year-old Ramirez was born in Ilocos but grew up in La Union. At just a shade under six feet tall, he has some measure of physical advantage over his other rivals in short distances. He has only been practicing for five years, and has already made big strides, pardon the pun. Ramirez managed a bronze medal in the men’s relay event for the distance in the recent Southeast Asian Games. The time for his leg was 47.54, pretty good considering he had no overseas training or exposure before Cambodia. You can imagine at least a slight case of nerves as well during the event.

While at Jose Rizal University, Ramirez helped the Heavy Bombers win NCAA titles before the pandemic (2019) and after (2023). As a national team member, he fared even better under the harsher spotlight of the Asian Championships in July. He logged 46.77 in the heats. In the last six years, nobody had clocked below 47 seconds. The former basketball player then registered a personal best of 46.53 seconds at the Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok.

“It’s impressive that he has achieved that much in so little time,” notes national team coach Jojo Posadas. “Imagine how much faster he could get if he got foreign exposure and more support. He could continue to break records on his own and as part of a relay team.”

Posadas said the leadership of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) has noted Ramirez’s progress. The runner is industrious, competitive, and wants to bring honor to the country. As he hits his peak, the sprinter will continue to improve at an accelerated rate.

These are the kinds of athletes the country needs now and in the future.