Filipino-American middle distance runner Victoria Bossong breezed her way to a gold medal finish in the women’s 800-meter run and into the hometown crowd’s hearts who saw her in action at the ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships Friday afternoon.
Bossong zipped through with a time of two minutes and 0.09.56 seconds, just a whisker off the Olympic entry standard.
National team member Bernalyn Bejoy came in second (2:12.48), while Far Eastern University’s Susan Ramadan (2:17.88) was a distant third.
While slightly upset that it was not the triumphant homecoming she planned, Bossong was still all smiles just to race in her mother’s country for the first time.
“I am very happy to be here. It’s a lovely day to compete in the Philippines,” she said.
“I am just really proud to be in ‘our’ country.”
Her victory was witnessed by her mother, Annie Atienza Bossong.
Annie, who hails from Puerto Galera, Misamis Oriental, said she had goosebumps just watching her daughter race in front of the Filipino crowd.
“Of course I am proud, and look at my shirt. I am her No. 1 fan. She’s my GOAT (greatest of all time),” pointing to her T-shirt printed with the huge picture of Bossong.
“Victoria is always relaxed when she runs, but I am always nervous.”
As for updates on her Philippine passport, the athlete said that it is definitely on the right track.
“It could be any day, and it’s been like that for quite a while. I am just really hoping and praying that it will come in God’s timing,” she said.
“I am happy to be here, whether on the national team or not. It is an honor to compete for this country.”
Bossong was nearly overwhelmed by the warm reception of the Filipino fans, who did not hesitate to ask for selfies with her after the race.
“It brings me so much joy to have support from this country. I know I have so much love to give. I am just so grateful to be here,” she said.
The post Fil-Am runner Bossong captivates crowd in PH debut first appeared on Fastbreak.
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