SILVER LEAP. Twenty-year-old John Mike Lera is in his best form at the 83rd Singapore Open Track and Field Championship on Wednesday (April 26, 2023). His performance earned him a silver medal in the men's long jump category. (Video screengrab courtesy of Djundi Biñas)
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – A homegrown athlete from Oroquieta City has made this province proud by winning a silver medal in the men's long jump event in Singapore.
John Mike Lera could not contain his joy after achieving his personal best at the 83rd Singapore Open Track and Field Championship that earned him the second spot.
"All the hard work was worth it, the loneliness, sacrifices during the training were all worth it, thank you, Lord," the 20-year-old Lera posted in Facebook.
Lera was bested by Chinese Taipei's Chia Hsing Li, who won the gold medal, while Xaida Vongsavanh of Laos took home the bronze.
In a separate post, Lera's coach, Djundi Biñas, said the athlete won the silver medal with a personal best of 7.48 meters, from his previous long jump record of 7.39 meters.
"Huge congrats to coach Sean Guevarra, too. I am grateful to be part of this coach, thank you!" Biñas said.
Lera said Guevarra, who is the national coach of the Track and Field Legends Philippine team, called him and asked whether he was still willing to pursue joining the long jump competitions.
Guevarra, whom Lera now considers a second father, was the one who made the long jump athlete first taste victory during the International Container Terminal Services Incorporated-sponsored Philippine Athletics Championship in Ilagan, Isabela province last month with a 7.30-meter record.
Lera is expected to come home to celebrate his victory and prepare for his next competition in Taiwan in the last week of May.
The Singapore championship started on April 26 and will end on the 28th. (PNA)
