CAPAS, Tarlac—Under expected humid conditions, three record holders are set to stamp their class as the four-day ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships 2025 starts Thursday at the New Clark City Track and Field Stadium.
High jumper Leonard Grospe will back in action after undergoing surgery for a knee as he seeks another great finish in the men’s open category of the athletics’ competition, also known as the National Open.
Grospe holds the national mark of 2.21 meters, which he set in Bangkok in June last year.
Discus thrower Russel Ricaforte, who put his name in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ record books, is also around and will seek a place in the national team, along with Mapua’s Ritchie Estampador.
The 24-year-old Ricaforte heaved a stunning 47.80-meter throw during the recent UAAP meet.
This time, Ricaforte will try to hold his ground in the men’s open division, with Ed Delina of the University of the Philippines.
Delina held the long-standing UAAP mark of 47.28 meters until Ricaforte smashed it.
Ricaforte and Delina are hoping to come near the national mark of Fidel Repizo at 52.10 meters.
Eyes will also be on Estampador, the current National Collegiate Athletic Association record holder in the 3000-meter steeplechase with his clocking of 9:12.13 as he tries to get near Hector Begeo’s 8:35.09.
The result of their performances could earn them slots to the national team for the coming Southeast Asian Games and other coming international meets.
“They are all in good shape. And we’ll see how they will do in the national open,” said national coach Sean Guevarra, who is keenly following their progress.
Meanwhile, Paris Olympics veteran Lauren Hoffman, Kristina Knott and John Cabang will also show the shape that they are in.
Hoffman, back from an eight-month layoff, will defend the crowns she won last year in the women’s 100-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles.
Former Asian women’s 400-meter hurdles champion Robyn Brown is expected fight for a better podium finish against Hoffman in this competition supported by ICTSI Sports Foundation, CEL Logistics and United Auctioneers Inc.
Tolentino will seek to impress in the men’s 400-meter hurdles, while Knott will seek the gold in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter sprints.