THE first gold medal in the 2024 ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships belonged to Filipino-Moroccan runner Yacine Guermali in the men’s 5000m finals.

Guermali, ever so eager to make his presence felt in his first-ever stint in the country, registered 14:18.83 meters to beat national team standout Sonny Wagdos (14.54.95) and Noli Torre of the Spectrum Runners Team A (15:05.00).

The 24-year-old Guermali was very happy with his performance despite the hot and humid conditions.

“I feel good. I got here on Monday and I loved it here so much, so I hope it’s the first of many,” said Guermali, who holds the national record in both the 1500 meters and 5000 meters events.

“It’s a long event, you know. I wanted to feel strong with four to six laps. Maybe like just around halfway and see what the energy feel like,” added Guermali, who traces his roots from Nueva Vizcaya.

The Gonzaga University standout said he needs to register 13:05 minutes in the said event to qualify for the coming Olympic Games in Paris.

“I have a couple of races and I’m gonna make sure my ranking is high as (Olympics) required,” said Guermali, who. is best remembered for his 13:50.74 in the OSU High Performance at the Corvallis, USA last April 30, 2021.

Equally impressive was Southeast Asian Games medalist Janry Ubas of Pasig, who posted 7.83 to claim the gold medal in the men’s long jump.

“Gagawin ko po ang lahat para mag-qualify ako sa Paris Olympics. Sana palarin po tayo sa mga susunod ko na laban,” said Ubas, the pride of Misamis Oriental.

Kent Francis Jardin of Adamson University and Algin Gomez of Mapua University settled for the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Ubas is fresh from bagging the bronze medal in the 2024 Hong Kong Athletics Championships at the Tseung Kuan Sports Ground.

Daniella Daynata of 5 Throws-for-All bagged the gold medal in women’s open discus throw event.

Daynata threw 43.10 against Chrizzel Lanipa of City of Pasig (36.06) and Keisha Gabrielle Tolin of Adamson University (34.43).

In the women’s 18-under, Heart Duarte of University of East won the shot put in 11.68 meters, followed by Yden Faith Candelario of Ateneo de Manila University placed second (11.36) followed by Courtney Jewel Trangia of Province of Masbate (10.93).

Elizabeth Sicat of Adamson University ruled the women’s under-20 javelin throw event.

Sicat made 33.35 against Gennah Malapit of National Team’s 33.08 and Irene Joy Veloso’s 32.86.