By Joshua Kyle Beltran

After being crowned as University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Athletics champions, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tracksters claimed the national title in the Open Women’s Division at the ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) Philippine Athletics Championship last May 1 to 4 at the New Clark City Track and Field Stadium in Tarlac City. 

“With the recent competition, we focused on what we can do, and, as the defending UAAP Athletics Champions, we are continuously challenging ourselves… We all have a lot of pride and excitement right now,” 10,000 meter bronze medalist Meljoy Gonzales shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.

The Morayta-based track and field team asserted their champion-like performance from Season 87 after they tallied four gold medals—one from each of the 800 and 1,500 meter race, 4x100 meter relay, and long jump categories. 

Their podium finish also consists of five silver awards from the heptathlon, triple jump, 800 meter race, 3,000 meter steeplechase, and 4x400 meter relay. Meanwhile, they clutched a bronze medal in the 10,000-meter race, then a mixed 4x400 meter relay bronze.

In their successful performance, 1,500 meter and 800 meter double-gold awardee Susan Ramadan expressed a sense of relief over obtaining the title amid personal challenges.

“Despite the lack of training due to personal and academic responsibilities, we still fought hard… The joy we felt was indescribable, and we’re beyond grateful to God. All the hardships were worth it in exchange for this victory,” she shared.

Besides participating in more tournaments, long jump and triple jump gold-silver finisher Rica Mae Balderama is determined to extend the team’s UAAP reign in the upcoming Season 88.

"We want to keep learning, keep getting better, and if we get a chance to compete in bigger tournaments… We want to make FEU proud once again and show everyone that we’re ready to fight to defend our title,” Balderama stated. 

The green-and-gold tracksters concluded the tourney on top with an overall ranking of 10.5 combined podium finishes. As for the first runners-up, the women’s Philippine National Team followed with 7.5, while Malaysia University clinched the third spot with seven medals.  

Among the FEU Lady Tracksters’ upcoming national stints is the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association Weekly Relays in July, with the exact date and venue yet to be announced.

(Photo courtesy of FEU Track and Field Women’s Facebook page)