MANILA – Jeralyn Rodriguez of the Philippines has secured her place in the World U20 Championships after meeting the qualifying standard at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships held in Hong Kong.
Rodriguez dominated her event in the women’s 400-meter final, finishing in 54.83 seconds, comfortably inside the required qualifying time of 55.20 seconds.
The global competition will be staged in Portland, Oregon from August 5 to 9.
The 19-year-old athlete said she was thrilled with her performance.
“I’m happy I achieved what I was after, qualifying for the worlds,” Rodriguez shared.
Her time marks another milestone in her rising career, following a strong but unrecognized 55.20-second run at last year’s SEA Games in Bangkok, which was affected by technical issues in timing.
“That SEA Games experience was tough, but it pushed me to keep improving,” she said.
Rodriguez will compete alongside fellow Filipino athletes Naomi Cesar (800m), Ivan Cabanda (400m hurdles), and Bianca Espenilla (javelin) in the upcoming championship.
PATAFA president Terry Capistrano highlighted the increasing competitiveness of Asian athletics, saying it motivates the national team to elevate its training and performance.
Despite strong efforts, Team Philippines remains in search of its first medal in the continental tournament under coaches Roselyn Hamero and Jonah Genilza.
