Filipino track stars Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino get spots at Paris Olympics

TWO Filipino athletes, Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino, have secured their spots in the upcoming Paris Olympics, marking a significant achievement for Philippine track and field.

The announcement came Tuesday night from the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association that Hoffman and Tolentino will compete in the 400m hurdles and 110m hurdles events, respectively. Both athletes will be making their Olympic debut in Paris.

Hoffman, 25, narrowly made the qualification cutoff as she secured the 39th spot in the women’s 400m hurdles rankings. She holds the national record for this event with a time of 55.72 seconds.

On the other hand, Tolentino, 22, achieved his qualification comfortably by ranking 30th among the qualifiers for the men’s 110m hurdles. He holds the Philippine national record in this event at 13.37 seconds.

With their qualification, Hoffman and Tolentino will join pole vaulter EJ Obiena as part of the Philippine delegation for athletics in the Paris Olympics. This brings to 22 the total number of Filipino athletes heading to Paris, representing the country’s largest contingent in over three decades since the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Also representing the Philippines in the games are boxers Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas,and Hergie Bacyadan; golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Hergie Bacyadan; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Ruivivar; swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch; weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Ceniza; fencer Samantha Catantan; judoka Kiyomi Watanabe; and rower Joanie Delgaco.

Excitement is building up as Hoffman and Tolentino prepare to represent the Philippines on the global stage at the Paris Olympics, which will commence later this month. Expectations are high for Filipino athletes aiming to make their mark on the global stage.

With reports from Kyla Marie B. Cuba