MISSION accomplished for high jumper Leonard Grospe.

Grospe made his presence felt by shattering the 18-year-old national record in the men’s high jump on another memorable day in the Philippine National Games at the PhilSports track oval in Pasig City.

The 22-year-old Grospe, who became a national athlete only three years ago, leapt to 2.18 meters on his first attempt and later 2.20 meters to shatter the record of his coach Sean Guevara late Wednesday.

A mainstay of the Mapua University varsity team, Grospe easily surpassed the previous mark of 2.17 meters set by Guevara during the National Open held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on April 5, 2005.

“Masayang-masaya ako kasi matagal na naming goal ma-break yung record ni coach Sean,” said Grospe, a native of Dilasag, Aurora.

Guevara, who discovered Grospe during the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association meet in early 2019, was very happy for his ward’s accomplishment.

“Of course, I am very happy for Leonard since he was able to break my record. He was able to break the psychological barrier of 2.17 meters, which he had been clearing in practice. I always believed he had it in him to do 2:20,” said Guevara.

“Records are meant to be broken. So feeling fulfilled talaga that he (Grospe) broke it. This is my legacy to the sport that has been very good to me,” added Guevara.

Elsewhere, Quendy Fernandez powered Puerto Princesa to victory in the women’s 18-over 4×50-meter freestyle relay in a time of one minute and 54.43 seconds.

The University of the Philippines swimming sensation capped her campaign with six golds and one silver medal to become the most bemedalled athlete in the event organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and backed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, PBA, Milo, Pocari Sweat and Chooks to Go.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya