Cebu’s Rafols Wins Triple Jump Gold at ASEAN School Games in Singapore

The Philippines bagged the boys’ triple jump gold medal, courtesy of Cebuano John Marvin Rafols in the ongoing ASEAN School Games in Singapore.

The Grade 12 student from the University of Cebu registered the best leap of 15.02 meters to win the event over Thailand’s Srinonta Nattapong (14.91 meters).

Filipino Karl Arvyn Aquino submitted 14.88 meters to claim the bronze medal.

“I am really happy to bring honor to the country. Big blessing for me as an athlete,” said the 18-year-old Rafols in a statement released by the Philippine Sports Commission on Tuesday.

A first-timer in international tournaments, Rafols has admitted feeling nervous.

“Mahirap dito (international). Kailangan ng confidence. Hindi kasi kilala ang kalaban. Pero nagdasal lang ako before yung turn ko (It’s difficult here. We need confidence because we don’t know who our opponents are. I just prayed before my turn),” said Rafols, who also won the bronze medal in the long jump event.

He said he wants to become a member of the national athletics team and that he is committed to train harder to achieve that goal.

“Ang sa akin lang po is ginagawa ko na po yung malilit na steps to make it into a reality (For my part, I am taking small steps to turn this goal into reality),” said Rafols, who played basketball during his elementary years before shifting to athletics.

“Malakas daw kasi akong tumalon (They said I’m skilled at jumping),” Rafols explained on why he was recruited by an athletics coach. “Kahit first love ko ang basketball, dito (athletics) ako nagshi-shine. (Even though my first love was basketball, (athletics) is where I shine.)”

All athletes in the Philippine delegation trained for two weeks at the Philsports in Pasig City in preparation for the ASEAN School Games. (Jean T. Malanum/PNA)