By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Hurdlers John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman became the latest additions to Team Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympics after earning berths in their respective events in athletics.
Philippine Athletics made the announcement early Wednesday, July 3, following World Athletics’ release of the list of athletes who made it to the Games based on automatic qualification and rankings.
The 22-year-old Cabang gained an Olympic ticket in the men’s 110-meter hurdles with his world No. 23 ranking while Hoffman booked a seat in the women’s 400m hurdles with her No. 41 rankings.
Sprinter Kristina Knott, meanwhile, did not make the cut in the women’s 200m, but hopes to make a last-minute entry through withdrawals.
With the development, the Philippines now has 22 athletes — the most number of Filipino qualifiers in almost three decades or since sending 26 athletes to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Other Filipino qualifiers include pole vaulter EJ Obiena, boxers Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan; fencer Samantha Catantan; golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo; judoka Kiyomi Watanabe; rower Joanie Delgaco; swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch; and weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Ceniza.
Cabang and Hoffman are also expected to join the PH team training in Metz, France on July 17 and 23, respectively.
