The long journey for Spain-based hurdler John Cabang Tolentino is nearing its culmination.
Tolentino will make his debut in the men’s 110-meter hurdles at the Paris Olympics, competing at the Stade de France on Sunday afternoon (Manila time).
At 22, Tolentino, a college robotics student, has broken the Philippine record three times since the qualification period began last year.
His record-breaking performances have boosted his confidence and secured his rankings, leading him to this pivotal moment.
Now, it’s time for Tolentino to prove his mettle against the world’s best in his field, including Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Grant Holloway from the United States.
Holloway, a three-time world champion (2019 Doha, 2022 Eugene, and 2023 Budapest), is the second-fastest man in history in this event, with a personal best of 12.81 seconds set at the U.S. Olympic Trials on June 26, 2021.
“It’s been a long journey since last year to reach my goal. This year has been especially busy,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino participated in 10 meets during the qualification period, in addition to 10 meets last year.
Before the qualification window opened, the then 21-year-old Tolentino broke the 13.78-second mark set by Clinton Bautista in the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games with his 13.65-second performance, earning him the gold medal at the Euskadi Championships in Mendizorrotza, Vitoria.
“We trained hard to get the points we needed,” said Tolentino, who competed in eight more meets before the Paris Olympics, finishing with a final ranking of 28.
Tolentino set a new Philippine record this year with a time of 13.37 seconds at the ICTSI-Philippine Athletics Championship last March.
As the highest-ranked Filipino track athlete in the meet, Tolentino will now face the top-qualified athletes during the heats.
Among them is Spain’s Asier Martinez, ranked 23rd, with a best time of 13.31 seconds set last May.
Holloway, the top-ranked competitor in Tolentino’s heat, has a personal best of 12.86 seconds and is the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist.
Also vying for the podium are Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment, ranked second, and American Freddie Crittenden.
