Tolentino, Hoffman to make Olympic team

MANILA, Philippines — More additions are coming in for the Philippine team campaigning in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Now cinch to make the contingent are hurdlers John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman. And if the stars align, sprinter Kristina Knott and another hurdler in Eric Cray could make the cut too.

“John Cabang Tolentino, sure na ‘yan,” Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco yesterday told The STAR.

“Lauren Hoffman, points wise, no one can overtake her. Four athletes need to qualify to push Lauren out. But very unlikely, so she’s safe,” Tanhueco also said.

Spain-based Tolentino is well perched inside the top 40 at No. 29 in the men’s 110-meter hurdles while Hoffman is at No. 36, also safely inside the top 40 in the women’s 400m hurdles.

World Athletics will announce all the Olympic qualifiers on July 7.

Making the Philippine team earlier are pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan, gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Ceniza, rower Joanie Delgaco, fencer Sam Catantan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina and swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch.