MANILA – Ilongga Joida Gagnao of Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws emerged as the Most Valuable Player in the UAAP Season 81 women’s athletics following a reversal made by the league.
In a report by Pinoy Athletics, the UAAP Board made the review recently and decided to hand the MVP trophy to Iloilo City native Gagnao after it was previously given to Negrense Louielyn Pamatian of University of Santo Tomas Tigresses.
Based on the UAAP athletics rules, the MVP trophy is awarded to the athlete with the most number of individual gold medals. Golds from relay events were not considered in the count.
During the just concluded UAAP season, Gagnao has captured gold medals in the 3,000 steeplechase, 5,000 run and 10,000 run, while Pamatian have four golds, two of which come in relay events.
The Bago City, Negros Occidental native Pamatian, a three-time UAAP MVP, said she did not think twice of returning the MVP award following the reversal made by the league.
“When the UAAP said that (Gagnao) should be the MVP, I did not hesitate to return it because it is the right thing to do and she deserves it naman talaga,” Pamatian told Panay News.
“I have no hard feelings towards her. She is my kumpare and also we both came from Western Visayas,” added the graduating trackster. “What is important is UST maintains the overall championship in women’s athletics.”/PN
