By MARK REY MONTEJO
Tracksters Michael Del Prado and Sonny Wagdos delivered the early medals for Team Philippines in the 2024 Taiwan Open Athletics Championships on Saturday, June 1.
Del Prado, son of two-time Olympian Isidro, checked in 47.13 seconds to take the silver medal in the men’s 400 meters behind eventual gold medalist Aruna Dharshana Singhapurage of Sri Lanka (45.82sec). Hometown bet Wu Zhengyan (47.89) settled for bronze with 47.89sec.
Prior to his feat, Del Prado clocked his personal and season best of 46.83sec in the heats.
Wagdos, meanwhile, bagged the bronze medal in the men’s 1500m after timing a personal-and season-best 3 minutes and 51.50sec.
South Korea’s Kim Yongsoo clinched the gold with 3:49.96 while Indonesia’s Putra Wahyudi came in with the silver with 3:50.22.
Wagdos eyes for another podium finish when he competes in the men’s 5000m on Sunday, June 2.
Meanwhile, other Filipinos competing in tilt are Ronnie Malipay and Harry Diones (triple jump), Jelly Paragile (100m hurdles), Bernalyn Bejoy (400m, 800m), Junel Gobotia and Joida Gagnao (3000m Steeplechase, 5000m) Hussein Lorana (800m) and Daniella Daynata (Discus Throw).
Janry Ubas, who is still bolstering his bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics, is also vying in the men’s long jump.
