Thursday, April 12, 2007 Nonato out to defend crowns
NATIONAL Prisaa 2006 twin gold medallist Teodoro Nonato Jr. will try to defend his titles and at the same time break the Philippine Open record in men's triple jump in the National Prisaa Finals opening on Sunday afternoon in Iloilo City.
Nonato said this in an exclusive interview with Sun.Star Davao Wednesday during the delegation's pre-departure briefing at the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) Bonifacion campus.
RP Youth Team mainstay Nonato said: "I'll do my best to break the Philippine Open record of 15.92 meters in triple jump. I only need less than a meter to accomplish that after registering 15.52 meters in the National Open Track and Field Championships last year."
Nonato, 19, a third year Psychology student at the Holy Cross of Davao College, said he is also bent on keeping the Prisaa golds in triple jump and long jump events.
"Aside from winning the golds, I really want to also break the National Prisaa records that I established in Zamboanga in 2004. I recorded 7.32 meters in long jump and 15.33 meters in triple jump. I'm in good condition now and I'm raring to reach my targets," he added.
Former National Prisaa bemedaled jumper Hobert King Adovo, meanwhile, downplayed his chances for the gold as he competes in long jump and high jump.
He said: "I've gained more weight now that's why I could no longer do the triple jump. Nonato can very well win the golds in long jump and triple jump. He's really very good at them. He wouldn't be an RP youth member for nothing. I'll just do my best in high jump."
A total of 21 athletes will represent the Davao Region in track and field. (MLSA)
