Knott getting solid Patafa support

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) extends its support to Olympic sprinter Kristina Knott as she competes in the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.

Patafa secretary general Jasper Tanhueco told DAILY TRIBUNE that they are behind Knott as she bids in the women’s 60-meter event on Saturday at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Sports Park.

The 29-year-old sprinter booked her slot after Patafa announced over the weekend that she qualified as No. 40 in the rankings thanks to her performances in the indoor season.

“I’ll be with her in the World Indoors. We are ready to support Knott, especially (Patafa) president Terry Capistrano,” Tanhueco said.

Knott’s fastest time so far in the 60m event in 2025 is 7.32 seconds in the Don Kirby Elite Indoor in New Mexico last February.

Meanwhile, her fastest time was 7.26 seconds at the American Track League in Fayetteville, United States in 2021, which is considered a national record.

Knott’s qualification came as a pleasant surprise after Ernest John Obiena of pole vault wasn’t able to make it this year after failing to clear the standard of 5.85 meters before the 9 March deadline.

Knott will compete in the heats on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. and should she qualify, will be running in the semifinal at 8:15 p.m. on the same day.

The final will be held at 9:18 p.m.

Last year’s silver medalist Ewa Swoboda of Poland and bronze medalist Zaynab Dosso of Italy are expected to headline the women’s 60m event.

Tanhueco said Knott is set to have a busy schedule ahead of her after the World Indoor Championships.

“This is good preparation for her for the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships from 1 to 4 May and Asian Athletics Championships this 27 to 31 May in Korea,” Tanhueco said.

“In 2023, KK finished fourth (in the women’s 200m) so her goal is to make it to the podium this year.”