DESPITE being deeply involved in training young athletes in her hometown of Baguio City, Sandi Menchi Abahan never wavered from her personal mission–to continue making the Philippines proud in the international stage.
True to her word, Abahan delivered another remarkable performance, claiming the bronze medal in the women’s Elite Open division of the Morzine Spartan Ultra World Championship held recently in France.
A gold medalist in the 5-kilometer obstacle course race at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, Abahan completed the gruelling 50-kilometer course—featuring 60 punishing obstacles—in 8 hours, 44 minutes, and 22 seconds.
She shared the podium with France’s Leslie Lejeune, who secured gold in 8:02:15, and Great Britain’s Andrea Berquez, who clocked 8:19:45 for silver.
Before jetting off to France, Abahan was actively involved in the grassroots development of obstacle course racing (OCR) through the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF).
She helped spearhead the federation’s youth training program across five cities—including her hometown—especially with OCR now officially part of the Batang Pinoy national youth sports program.
“Thank you to all the parents who worked behind the scenes for the event. My heart is full of gratitude and joy for all your effort. And thank you to all the kuyas and ates who helped build the obstacle course, guided the younger kids, and stayed to help after the event,” Abahan said in her social media post.
Just days later, Abahan led by example, conquering one of the sport’s toughest global events and bringing home another international medal for the country.
In the men’s Elite division, Filipinos Jobert Carolino and Andrico Mahilum delivered valiant efforts, finishing 24th (9:08:47) and 33rd (10:23:53), respectively.
The men’s podium featured Luca Pescollderugg of Italy (6:25:18) as champion, followed by Ryan Atkins of Canada (6:29:03) and Antoine Freymond of Switzerland (6:35:48).
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) supported the team’s campaign, which included athletes Ailene Sabal, and coaches Thumbie Remigio and Mohammad Sherwin Managil.
