The Philippine athletics team wrapped up its campaign at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships with a pair of podium finishes after Ana Bhianca Espenilla captured silver in the women’s javelin throw and Jerico Cadag earned bronze in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

Their medal-winning performances provided a strong finish for the national squad and highlighted the emergence of another promising generation of Filipino athletes on the continental stage.

Espenilla delivers breakthrough performance

Espenilla produced the throw of her life when it mattered most, unleashing a personal-best mark of 52.20 meters on her sixth and final attempt at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground in Hong Kong.

The 19-year-old from Masbate entered the final round outside medal contention after struggling to improve on her earlier throws. Her final effort, however, vaulted her into second place and secured the biggest achievement of her young athletics career.

The silver medal also serves as a timely boost ahead of the World U20 Athletics Championships in Oregon this August. Espenilla is set to join fellow Filipino qualifiers Jeralyn Rodriguez, Naomi Cesar, and Ivan Cabanda at the global meet.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Terry Capistrano praised the achievement, emphasizing the significance of competing against the continent’s best young athletes.

Cadag earns podium finish

Cadag showcased his endurance and determination in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final, clocking 9:35.10 to secure third place in a competitive field of 13 runners.

The 18-year-old finished behind India’s Nikhil Chandrashekar and Japan’s Yuu Kato, adding another milestone to a career that has steadily progressed through the youth ranks.

His bronze medal marked the latest chapter in a journey that began in a different discipline. Originally competing in the javelin throw, Cadag later transitioned to distance running, a move that led to success at the Palarong Pambansa and SEA U18 competitions.

Motivated by past setbacks and determined to maximize every opportunity to represent the country, Cadag delivered one of the most important performances of his career in Hong Kong. The incoming National University engineering freshman said he remains focused on improving as he continues his athletics journey.

With Espenilla’s silver and Cadag’s bronze, the Philippine contingent backed by the Philippine Sports Commission concluded the championships with two medals and renewed optimism for the future of the sport.