SINGAPORE—A son of a fisherman from Iloilo made history in the 9th ASEAN Schools Games by clinching the Philippines’ 11th gold medal and setting a new ASG record in javelin.
James Lozañes, a Grade 11 student of Estancia National High School, registered a distance of 66.39 meters in the 700g javelin, eclipsing the 2015 record of 62.28m by more than four meters.
What made his feat remarkable was that Lozañes exceeded the 65m measurement distance set by the athletics technical officials here.
“Akala siguro nila na hindi mabre-break ‘yung record kaya ang measurement lang nila ng distance ay hanggang 65 meters lang,” said Anthony Valdez, one of the athletics’ coaches for the Philippines.
Three months ago at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose, Antique, the 17-year-old Iloilo native also broke a Palarong Pambansa record after he registered 59.46 meters in the 700g javelin throw, topping the previous national meet’s record set at 57.81 by Bryan Pacheco.
“Hindi ko ini-expect na malalagpasan ko ang record,” said Lozañez, who is playing in his first international competition.
It was indeed a magical conclusion to Lozañes’ campaign as he made the most of his first and last stint in the ASEAN Schools Games as he is turning 18 this year.
“Sobrang saya po pakinggan ang ating national anthem na tinutugtog during sa awarding,” he said.
Lozañes came from a far-flung municipality in Iloilo, but he never shied away from the limelight, outperforming Tingjia Wang of Singapore (59.76) and Pornpraphan Dechochai (59.49). Wang snatched the silver while Dechochai salvaged the bronze.
On his first attempt, Lozañes registered a distance of 55m, then followed it up by a 58m throw on his second.
“After nu’ng nakuha ko ‘yung 66.39m distance, umiiling na ang mga kalaban ko eh,” said the second to the youngest child of Jinky, housewife, and Marianeto, fisherman.
Lozañes said he was dedicating the gold medal to his supportive parents.
Lozañes was hooked into the sport when he was 10 years old. He was influenced by his former coach from Binuluangan Elementary School to venture into javelin.
He immediately displayed his potential in the sport after he won the gold medal in a Unit Meet.
Lozañes stands to receive a P5,000 cash incentive from the Department of Education.
As of 8 p.m., Tuesday, the medal tally for Team Philippines stands at 11 golds, six silvers, and 16 bronze for the fifth place overall.
Swimming accounted for five gold medals.
Indonesia is still in the lead with 19-21-17, with Thailand sneaking in at the second spot with 19-13-19. Host country Singapore is at the third spot with 17-19-19, while Vietnam came in fourth with 13-18-8.