Student-athletes shine at the 32nd SEA Games

BY RHEI GIAN HERNANDEZ

STUDENTS from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) College of Human Kinetics made a strong impression at one of the grandest international events anyone can dream of joining.

Ahgie Radan (gold), Kristine Lapsit (silver), and Rhichein Yosorez (silver and bronze) all took home medals during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

Radan and his team finished with 24.47 seconds in the Men’s Obstacle Course Race Team Relay, beating the favorites Malaysia’s 25.15 seconds.

Lapsit and her squad finished second with 570 points in the women’s sepak takraw competition.

Yosorez won silver in the Women’s Single Bare Hand Form and bronze in the Combat 45kg of Kun Bokator, one of the oldest sports in Cambodia that also marked its debut in the SEAG.

In an interview with Radan, he shared that he overcame the pressure of being a first-time representative and anchor of the team by staying patient and being efficient in his role.

“Ang mindset talaga namin noong finals ay yung plan A namin na sure and efficient na obstacle pero sa pinakamabilis naming paraan, sobrang nakakakaba dahil sobrang underdog kami sa kalaban naming Malaysia na may mas experience sa amin sa OCR.”

Radan also shared his goal of beating the world record of OCR 100m individual and playing at the Olympics.

He advises aspiring Iskolars that want to represent the country and the Sintang Paaralan in competitions to work hard, dedicate themselves, have time for academics and extracurricular activities, and never forget to pray to God.