SEA Games: Filipino triple jump rookie sets lofty goal
NEW CLARK CITY — Jasmin Bombita is one of the youngest members on the track and field team, but at 17 years old, the native of Sorsogon has already set her sights on one goal.
And it’s a lofty one at that.
Making her very first appearance in the Southeast Asian Games, Bombita will be seeing action in the triple jump event and wants to take the same path taken by her here, Elma Muros-Posadas.
“For sure my opponents will be strong, but I have nothing to lose, I’m here to learn,” said Bombita in Filipino.
Her personal best of 12.46 meters is way short of the SEA Games record of 14.50m, but the 5-foot-6 11th grader remains unfazed.
“I’m still growing and still learning,” said Bombita while munching on sunflower seeds just before lunch was served Wednesday.
“My idol (Elma) started at a young age, too, I want to follow her footsteps,” added Bombita. She is under the watch of national team coach Jojo Posadas, who is husband to the retired track superstar.
Muros-Posadas, then 15, first competed in the biennial event in 1991 Manila, finishing third in 4X100m relay where she ran with fellow legend Lydia De Vega.
The winner of 18 SEA Games golds, Muros-Posadas also finished fourth in long jump in that edition.
Joining Bombita as among the SEAG novices is relay runner Frederick Ramirez.
The 6-foot Ramirez, who converted from playing basketball to track and field, is competing with Michael Carlo del Prado, Joyme Sequita and Edgardo Alejan in men’s 4X100m.
“We have a strong relay team not only in men’s but in mixed,” said the 21-year-old Ramirez.
For the first time, the SEA Games will have mixed relays, and Ramirez will vie for gold along with the pool that includes 2015 century dash champ Kayla Richardson and sister Kyla, as well as former La Salle stalwart Maureen Schrijvers.