Another young athlete has brought pride to the Philippines.
At the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, athletics representative Pi Durden Forward Wangkay competed in the finals of the Men’s 200m event on Wednesday, November 11 (Manila time).
The 17-year-old sprinter went all-in on the game and dashed for the country in a thrilling spectacle, where he was able to set his personal best time of 21.355 seconds to secure a bronze medal.
He was only 0.004 seconds behind Guyana’a Deuquan Farrel, who bagged silver with 21.359 seconds.
Ultimately, the gold medal was won by Zimbabwe’s Ropafadzo Mzondo who won with the time of 21.04 seconds.
In a statement, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino shared’ “From the very first time I saw him on the track, I knew this kid was destined for greatness, which he proved with his Asian Youth Games gold in Bahrain.”
The athlete represented the Philippines in the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, where he clinched one of the Philippines’ seven gold medals.
Tolentino added, “Pi is a living testament to our grassroots program. His hard-fought bronze here is a clear indicator of his massive potential for the regular Olympic Games.”
The POC chief also declared that Philippine sports has a “very bright future ahead” with Pi’s fellow athletics representative Naomi Cesar winning a silver medal in the Women’s 800m sprint event on Tuesday, November 10 (Manila time).
Tigether, they are part of the nine-athlete lineup assembled for the games also includes the likes of Maritanya Krog in road cycling; Hilarrion III Palles and Tchelzy Mei Maayo in artistic gymnastics; Angel Polo in wushu; Jade Justiniane for windsurfing; and swimmers Riannah Chantelle Coleman and Jamesray Mishael Ajido.
