Delos Santos tries hand in decathlon

CAPAS, Tarlac — Pole vaulter Hokket delos Santos tries his luck competing in the decathlon for international events starting this year.

Delos Santos’ coach Emerson Obiena said his ward’s performance for University of Santo Tomas in Season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in 2023 is the reason behind as he set a new record of 6739 points.

The third-year Tiger surpassed the previous record of 6,529 points set by Janry Ubas in 2014.

“Hokket would usually rank fourth or fifth in pole vault. When he tried out playing in the decathlon, he got around 6700 points,” Obiena said.

“I believe he can hit 7000 points.”

With world No. 4 Ernest John Obiena and Elijah Cole seen as the top pole vaulters of the country, the elder Obiena said it will give him a chance to compete overseas as well.

He also said Delos Santos won’t drop pole vault altogether as it is part of the events in the decathlon.

“Pole vault is still part of the decathlon so we are not dropping it entirely. We’d still let him continue honing his craft there,” Obiena said.

Delos Santos, who cleared five meters in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships last Friday for fifth place, could compete in the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea from 27 to 31 May if given the chance.

“I have been playing in the decathlon only in the UAAP so far. This will be the first time I will do it in an international event if I am selected,” Delos Santos said.

“If given the chance, I want to compete in the Asian Championships and I could compete in pole vault as well.”