WORLD MASTERS. Members of the National Masters & Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines arrive in Gothenburg, Sweden for the World Masters Athletics championships 2024 on Aug. 13-25, 2024. Over 8,000 athletes aged 35 and above will compete in the biennial meet. (Photo courtesy of NMSAAP)
MANILA – Eleven members of the National Masters & Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP) will compete in the World Masters Athletics Championships 2024 in Gothenburg, Sweden on Aug. 13-25.
Javelin thrower Danilo Fresnido, gold medalist in the 2016 and 2018 editions, will lead the Philippine contingent that arrived in Gothenburg on Aug. 10 for the 12-day biennial competition for athletes 35 years old and above.
Other members of the Philippine team are John Aguilar -- 100m; Severino Alacar – 10 km road run & 5 km walk; Benigno Marayag – triple jump & long jump; Drolly Claravall – hammer throw & discus throw; Riezel Buenaventura – pole vault; Nhea Ann Barcena – half marathon; Judith Staples – pole vault & discus throw; Edward Kho – 400m; Brenda R. Zinampan - 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles; and EJ Obiena’s father, Edward Obiena – pole vault and discus throw.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) director Merly Ibay will be the official accompanying the team.
After the opening ceremony on Aug. 12, the competition will begin on Aug. 13 with Staples and Zinampan opening the campaign for the Philippines in the women’s 100 meters dash, and Aguilar in the men’s 100m category events.
“The NMSAAP team is optimistic about their chances of securing medals, drawing confidence from their previous performances. However, they are also mindful of the challenges and uncertainties that come with competing on the international stage,” said Claravall, president of NMSAAP.
The team participation is sponsored by the PSC, Senator Bong Go, PSC commissioner Bong Coo, Wrist Pod, Asics, Lacoste, and Edobee Sports,Massiv Sports.
The 2024 championships will have a new record of over 8,000 athletes in attendance with host Sweden topping the entries with 1,883 participants. (Alona Cochon/PNA)
