CAPAS, Tarlac — The ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships came to a close in this sunbaked city at the heart of Central Luzon on Sunday, living up to the billing as the stomping ground of some the best and the brightest athletes in the country.

But it’s not just the elite athletes who gained most of the attention at the New Clark City Stadium here.

Young athletes also made a lot of heads turn, making this prestigious annual trackfest a perfect battleground that equipped them with necessary experience and technical skills as they compete in crucial age-group tournaments ahead, including the 65th Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte.

Khianne Marx Manicad rued his failure to land on the medal podium, but stressed that the experience he gained against older, stronger foes was enough to boost his morale as he competes in the Palarong Pambansa that will from 24 May to 2 June.

The 15-year-old athlete from Lucena City National High School posted 6.11 meters for an eighth-place finish in the boys’ long jump 18U event.

Still, he will hop into their seven-hour bus ride home happy and fulfilled knowing that he was able to test his mettle against more seasoned competitors.

“This is my first time competing here. I am very happy to get some great exposure against higher-level opponents,” Manicad, who will be representing the Calabarzon Region in the Palarong Pambansa, told DAILY TRIBUNE in an interview.

“Playing with older and stronger opponents made me realize that I still need to train harder. I may be doing well in my age bracket, but I still have to work hard and continue to strive for excellence as the Palaro draws near.”

Manicad said the fact that he was able to see action at the same venue that hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019 is already a victory.

“It’s truly a wonderful experience,” he said.

“It’s something that will be in my heart as I represent my school, my city and my region in the Palarong Pambansa.”

‘Competing against older and stronger opponents made me realize that I still need to train harder. I may be doing well in my age bracket, but I still have to work hard and continue to strive for excellence as the Palaro draws near.’

John Clinton Abetong, who will also represent Calabarzon, agrees, saying that competing in the Philippine Championships while watching the country’s best athletes live in action like Robyn Brown, Kristina Knott and John Cabang is such a morale-boosting experience.

“The experience and the exposure here were great. It will definitely help me for this year’s Palaro,” said the 16-year-old Abetong, who ruled the men’s U18 400m run event in 48.87 seconds.

“I was able to see the things I need to work on and make adjustments. I’m confident I will be able to win the gold medal in the Palaro in the best way possible.”

Also making his presence felt in the Philippine Championships was Pi Durdan Wangkay, who won the U18 100m and 200m run events.

The 16-year-old sprinter said he is also gauging himself against quality players as he gets ready for the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain from 22 to 31 October.

“I’m just following in her footsteps but as a guy, I need to do better,” said Wangkay, the son of former De La Salle University multiple medalist Jonah Genilza-Wangkay who clocked 10.91 seconds in the 100m run before submitting 22.22 seconds in the 200m sprint.

“Competing overseas is a big opportunity for me so I really need to prepare for it. Win or lose, I will still gain valuable experience.”