MANILA – It may not be the outcome she was hoping but Negrense Bernalyn Bejoy considered her first Southeast Asian Games stint a learning experience moving forward.
Bejoy landed fourth in the women’s 400-meter hurdles with 62.06 seconds, behind gold medal winner Thi Huye Nguyen of Vietnam (56.90), Thi Lan Quach of Vietnam (57.39) and Filipina Robyn Brown (59.08).
The former standout of Romanito Maravilla National High School said she was still thankful as it was a new personal best for her in the event.
“I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to play in the SEA Games. I got my personal best time even if I ended at fourth place,” Bejoy said. “I am also contented because I gave my best to finish the race.”
Head coach Addy Arca, who accompanied Bejoy to the competition, had nothing but praises for her prized hurdler. She was able to keep in step with veteran competitors in Southeast Asia.
“I am proud of her because ipinakita talaga niya ‘yung puso niya to finish the race even if mga experienced at veterans ‘yung kalaban niya,” Arca said. “She is really a fighter even if siya ang pinakabata sa mga kasali dun.”
The Bacolod City native will now shift her focus to her UAAP athletics debut with the De La Salle University track and field team.
“Madami po akong natutunan dito sa SEA Games and I will use that for my upcoming UAAP campaign with the DLSU,” Bejoy said./PN
