ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Philippines — Pole vaulter Hokket delos Santos shone bright with his best performance and biggest triumph as he struck gold at home court
Cheered on by his dad and fellow Isabelenoes on the stands of the City of Ilagan Sports Complex, Santa Barbara, Ilagan’s very own Delos Santos did it in the final event of the 14th Southeast Asian Youth Athletics Championships, according to a Philippine Star report.
The victory nailed Team Philippines’ brighest showing in the international meet since 2017.
Not even a broken spike shoes could prevent Delos Santos, a frustrated basketball and volleyball player, from meeting his date with destiny in his new sport, said the Star report.
The 5-foot-11 hometown bet cleared 4.20 meters – a new personal best – to beat Singaporeans Elliott Wee Junn (4.10m) and Heng Jee Kuan (3.80m) for the mint, following up the triumph of Zambales’ high-jumper Mariel Abuan in the morning sessions and the victory of fellow pole vaulter Ma. Krizzie Charisse Ruzol on opening day, according to the Star report. (Photo credit: The Philippine Star)
