Lauren Hoffman is honored to represent the Philippines in the Paris Olympics, where she will compete in the women’s 400-meter hurdles.
Photo courtesy of Frenzy Claire Sadanguel
Hoffman ready, confident
LAUREN Hoffman, one of two hurdlers who will represent the Philippines in the Paris Olympics, is looking forward to showcase her talents in the world’s biggest sporting showcase.
“I qualified for the Olympics,” Hoffman posted in her social media accounts with a heart and Philippine flag emoji on it yesterday.
“Still feels so crazy to say that. It is such an honor to join my kababayan and represent the Philippines at the upcoming Olympic Games. Feeling beyond blessed,” she added.
Hoffman joins fellow hurdler John Cabang Tolentino and world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, the first Filipino to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, in Paris.
With three entries, the Philippines matched its number of athletics participants in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, where hurdler Eric Cray, marathoner Mary Joy Tabal and long jumper Marestella Torres competed.
“God didn’t just give me the physical abilities to hurdle and run. He gave me the passion to pursue a sport that takes so much mental and physical energy. He gave me work ethic, drive, and a competitive spirit,” Hoffman wrote.
“He sparked a fire in my heart to relentlessly chase after my dreams, no matter how hard the road gets. He gave me an amazing support system of family, friends, teammates, and coaches. He gave me countless opportunities and resources. This achievement could not have been done alone,” she added.
The 5-foot-6 Hoffman will be making her Olympic debut in Paris in the 400m hurdles.
Hoffman met the qualification cutoff as the Duke standout secured the 39th spot in the women’s 400m hurdles rankings. The 25-year-old holds the national record for this event with a time of 55.72 seconds during the Drake Relays in Des Maines, Iowa last April.
“WE DID IT!!! PARIS HERE WE COME!!!!!,” Hoffman said.
During her five-season US NCAA stint with the Blue Devils, Hoffman earned seven All-ACC and four USTFCCCA All-America honors.
Duke’s track and field team was delighted to see Hoffman to have the opportunity to compete in the Olympics.
“Lauren Hoffman has QUALIFIED FOR THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS in the women’s 400m hurdles! We are SO proud of our Duke alum.!” the squad posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account.
Hoffman whose mother Laura was born in the Philippines, started to represent the country in the 19th Asian Games last year.
“Thank you PATAFA, President (Terry) Capistrano, Sec Gen Jasper (Tanhueco), and FilAm Sports for the support. Thank you to everyone who played a role in this crazy journey. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng suporta,” Hoffman said with three hearts emoji on it.
