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‘I want the government to see that Filipino athletics is performing well on the international stage,’ says discus thrower Russel Ricaforte as the national team standout gears up for the SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines – Earlier this year, Ateneo’s Russel Ricaforte made headlines after the collegiate star broke a 34-year-old national discus throw record, tallying a 54.14 meter heave during the  Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) weekly relays back in August. 

The record of 52.10 meters was previously held by Fidel Repizo, dating back all the way to 1991 during the 16th Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines.

“During that moment, I knew I could break it. It was just a matter of whether I could execute it mentally,” he shared. “After I did it, it was really fulfilling and an unbelievable feeling, like I was dreaming.”

In his final UAAP outing this November, Ricaforte only further cemented his legacy, recording a 52.62-meter discus throw to set a new UAAP record in the event. Adding to this, the Ateneo team captain secured yet another gold for the Blue Eagles with a 14.92-meter throw in shot put — just a fraction shy of the 14.93-meter UAAP record.

CHAMP. Ateneo discus thrower Russel Ricaforte celebrates a gold-winning performance in the UAAP.

As his collegiate career comes to a close, Ricaforte now has his sights set on the next stage of his journey, the 2025 SEA Games in December. 

Ricaforte currently ranks second in Southeast Asia in the discus throw event, trailing only Muhammad Irfan Shamsuddin of Malaysia.

“Regarding the national team, I’m taking it day by day. I’m just happy to be part of it as it’s always been a childhood dream of mine,” Ricaforte added.

Joining him in this year’s regional games is Ateneo coach Arneil Ferrera, a former eight-time SEA Games gold medalist in the hammer throw, and US-based discus thrower William Morrison.

With the tournament inching closer, the entire team remains motivated to sustain their peak performances onto the international stage and make a mark for Philippine athletics. 

For Ricaforte, this rings all the more true as he intends to deliver not only for himself, but for the younger generation as well.

“I want the government to see that Filipino athletics is performing well on the international stage,” Ricaforte said. “And I hope that by breaking these records, students and young athletes alike, will feel motivated to pursue their own dreams.” – Rappler.com

Antonio Iñigo ‘Ani’ Santos is a Rappler intern from Ateneo de Manila University.