Fifteen-year-old Pi Durden Wangkay of Biñan, Laguna, is proving that athletic excellence runs in the family.
As the son of Jonah Genilza-Wangkay, a decorated sprinter from De La Salle University, Pi has continued the family tradition by securing three gold medals at the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships held in Puerto Princesa.
Pi’s achievements mark the culmination of a family legacy, with his older sisters Laurize Jeante and Qaantreulle Light also earning medals in previous editions of Batang Pinoy.
Together, the Wangkay siblings have established a winning dynasty in Philippine youth athletics.
Jonah, now the coach of De La Salle Zobel’s high school track team, watched with pride as her youngest son shattered records at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex. Pi clocked an impressive 10.88 seconds in the boys’ under-16 100-meter sprint, setting a new record for his age group and the fastest time in the event’s history at the Batang Pinoy meet.
“Na-achieve niya ang goal niya. Last year, hindi niya nakuha ang personal best niya, pero pinangarap niya ito,” Jonah shared, reflecting on her son’s journey.
Jonah’s eldest daughter, Laurize, had previously dominated the girls’ 15-under 2000-meter walk, clinching gold in both the 2018 Vigan and 2019 Ilagan editions. Meanwhile, Pi’s younger sister, Qaantreulle, shined in swimming, securing gold in the girls’ 12-under 50m breaststroke for Laguna Province in 2019.
RECORD-BREAKER
Pi’s remarkable speed in Puerto Princesa did not stop with the 100 meters. He also claimed victories in the 200-meter and 400-meter sprints, earning a total of three gold medals in the five-day event.
This marks a significant improvement for Pi, who had to compete in the 18-under category last year due to the absence of a 16-under division.
Despite finishing third with a slower time at the Philsports Arena, Pi seized the opportunity to return to his proper category this year, setting a personal best and eclipsing the previous 11.3-second mark held by Alfredo Taduran of Las Piñas.
Jonah herself was no stranger to athletic success. During her high school years, she represented the National Capital Region in the Palarong Pambansa, where she excelled in sprint events. After narrowly missing gold in the 1997 Palaro in Bicol, she redeemed herself the following year in Bacolod, sweeping golds in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter sprints, and two relay events.
With a family steeped in athletic achievements, Pi’s victory is a testament to the Wangkay family’s dedication and hard work.