Olympian Marestella Torres-Sunang gave the Philippines its second gold medal in the 22nd World Masters Athletics Championships in Perth, Australia on Tuesday.
Debuting in the competition, the 35-year old Torres-Sunang cleared 6.11 meters on her first attempt, beating Melissa Foster of Australia, who took the silver in 5.74 meters. Italian Cristina Paganelli earned bronze in 5.65 meters.
The Philippines ended up with two golds on its first stint in the Masters.
Earlier, Danilo Fresnido opened Team Philippines’ bid when he dominated the men’s 40-44 javelin throw competition.
Fresnido, who is the current national coach and national record holder, heaved the spear to a distance of 62.30 meters to beat seven rivals for the gold.
The 44-year-old Fresnido managed to claim the silver last year.
Then, Erlinda Lavandia made a heave of 30.28 meters Tuesday to win silver in the 60-above category of the women’s javelin throw.
The 64-year old Lavandia finished behind Anne Kristine Jensen of Denmark, who took the gold with her 30.59 meter performance.
Pole vaulter Emerson Obiena and marathoner Lorna Vejano are also in the Philippine delegation. Vejano was ninth in the 55-yrs and above women’s marathon.
