When Mervin Guarte first burst onto the scene, his drive and talent were evident as he vied for three gold medals at the 2009 Palarong Pambansa in Tacloban. That event in Southern Leyte would set the tone for a storied 15-year career, one marked by remarkable victories and relentless perseverance until his untimely passing just a week ago.
On April 29, 2009, Guarte delivered a defining performance at the Leyte Sports Development Center. After a controversial 800m race in which he felt hindered by Calabarzon’s Salvador Garin Jr., Guarte turned his frustration into triumph. The then-17-year-old claimed gold in the 1,500m run, clocking an impressive 4:07.94.
Though he aimed for three golds, Guarte secured two—adding the 5,000m secondary boys’ athletics title to his achievements. A protest regarding the 800m race result was ultimately denied. This experience became a turning point for Guarte, propelling him to dominate future competitions with renewed focus.
“He elbowed me again, but I didn’t let it bother me. What they did, I took personally—that’s why I gave it my all to win this event,” Guarte said after his victory.
Rising Through the Ranks
The following year, Guarte’s dominance was evident as he represented San Sebastian College in the NCAA track meet. He captured four gold medals, breaking records in the 1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, and 800m events, with another gold in his favorite 5,000m race.
“I’m just happy I’m performing well in my first year in the NCAA,” said Guarte, whose performances soon earned him a spot on the national athletics team.
In 2010, Guarte continued to impress by winning the junior division’s 5,000m run at the National Open and claiming the national title in the 5km event of the Milo Marathon. These accomplishments solidified his place as one of the country’s top athletes.
International Success
Guarte represented the Philippines in multiple Southeast Asian Games, earning five silver medals and a bronze in 2017. In July 2014, he was part of the national relay team that set a still-standing record in the 4x800m at the Vietnam Open.
At 28, Guarte retired from athletics but didn’t step away from the sporting world.
He discovered obstacle course racing (OCR), where he quickly excelled. Despite being unfamiliar with the sport initially, Guarte embraced the challenge with the same determination that defined his athletics career.
“My first love was athletics. For 13 years, it was my life. But the time came when I had to leave it behind. There’s no such thing as forever,” Guarte shared when discussing his transition to OCR.
Mervin Guarte’s journey from the tracks of Palarong Pambansa to international competitions and beyond is a testament to his unwavering spirit. Whether breaking records, representing his country, or conquering new challenges, Guarte left an indelible mark on the world of sports. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of Filipino athletes.