CLARKFIELD, Pampanga – After his blistering run in the 4×100 mixed relay finals on Sunday, Fil-Am Eric Cray is back in the good graces of Philippine Track and Field Association president Philip Juico.
Cray zoomed to the finish line and powered the Philippines to a gold in the inaugural event at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
In the morning of the same day, Cray was a dismal failure after being disqualified because of jumping the gun too soon in the 100-meter heats.
“Not anymore,” said Juico on Monday as the Philippines gets ready for another day in track and field and the Philippines hoping to win at least two more in the final days of competitions.
The 4×100 victory was the seventh gold medal for Philippine athletics following earlier wins by Christine Hallasgo in women’s marathon, pole vaulters EJ Obiena and Natalie Uy, Kristina Knott in the 100-meters for women, heptathlete Sarah Dequinan, William Morrison in shotput.
Cray still has two more events remaining: 4×100 and 400 hurdles.
Fil-Am Carter Lilly will compete in the 800m and is a heavy favorite to rule the event.
“You know sometimes these athletes, they have mood swings,” said Juico, who was disenchanted when Cray blew his chance of running in the 100.
“He could have done it (win the event),” said Juico, adding that good money was spent in ensuring that their training has more than ample funding.
Before the SEAG, Juico was conservative in his assessment, saying 5-6 golds was a realistic prediction.
But things have changed and one could hear a noticeable spark in Juico’s eyes ever since the gold medal collection hit seven.
