YOG medalists Cesar, Wangkay make parents proud

DAKAR, Senegal — Jonah Genilza and Ben Cesar are former national athletes whose service for flag and country continue to echo through the achievements of their kids in the global arena.

In an interview with the POC Media Pool at the conclusion of the athletics competitions in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop Stadium, Genilza and Cesar shared one thing in common: they’re happy and proud to see their kids performing better than they did.

“I’m proud of what Pi’s been accomplishing,” said Genilza, a bemedaled trickster during her prime who is here to personally coach her son, YOG men’s 200 meters bronze medalist Pi Durden Forward Wangkay.

“He once told me when he was younger that he’d be better than me,” she said. “And he’s doing that already, he’s here in the (Youth) Olympics and he won a bronze medal.”

Cesar, father of women’s 800 meters silver medalist Naomi Marjorie Cesar, felt the same way.

“Obviously for me, I want my kids to be better than me,” said Cesar, who has had tour of duties with the national team, including the Southeast Asian Games, from 1991 to 1997.

“For them to be doing this is the most important part.”

The Dakar experience would go down as one of the most memorable for both parents.

“I’m almost hoarse cheering from the stands,” said Genilza, who, like Cesar, has to balance being both a parent and a coach.

“I just couldn’t believe he did it, despite the fact that he didn’t get a PB [personal best], he’s improved his season best.”

Cesar said: “Obviously I’m very happy, but happier knowing Naomi is doing this not only for herself but for the kids back home, she dreamed of doing this.”

Cesar and Wangkay’s medal-clinching runs were almost similarly processed — they had to pour all they’ve got in the final, rallying to make the podium.

Cesar made her move approaching the turn toward the final 100 meters to finish second in 2:09.34 behind Ethiopia’s Netsanet Selemon (2:04.43) and ahead of Morroco’s Khadija Elmostaqim (2:10.05).

Wangkay was fifth-best in the final and despite running “blind” on Lane 9, he exploded and missed the silver via photo finish in 21.96 seconds, 4-1,000th of a second to Guyana’s Deuquan’ Farrell, in the race won by Zimbabwe’s Ropafadzo Mzondo (21.04).

Both parents also admitted their kids’ love for sport was automatic.

“They were exposed to various sports during summer and for Pi it was swimming, football then track,” Genilza said.

“I gave him the freedom to choose and he’s happy with track.”

“I let my kids play multiple sports, including soccer, and Naomi found herself loving track,” Cesar said.

Their message from their children’s accomplishment in Dakar?

“Not to give up — when Pi was starting, he’d make the semis, then improve making the finals, then become a medalist,” Genilza said. “For the parents, support your kids, your support is very precious and important for them to achieve their goals.”

“Don’t be afraid to dream, through hard work, anything is possible,” Cesar said.

“Parents? These things won’t happen without you guys.”

Genilza and Cesar thanked Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Terry Capistrano for supporting not only their kids, but all of Philippine sports.