The athlete is more important than the gear.
A runner from Bukidnon on Tuesday morning bagged a medal in track and field even if she chose to compete without her shoes on, ABS-CBN News reports.
Jay-Ann Labasano, 17, won the gold medal for the 3000m event held in the oval of the Binirayan Sports Complex, Antique. Labasano clocked in at 10:32.67, 11 seconds ahead of second placer Jie Anne Calis from the National Capital Region.
Labasano’s coach Mavyzel Alecer explained that the young athlete owns a pair of rubber shoes, which she only uses for practice. Labasano chose to run barefoot in the competition because it makes her feel lighter.
The talented runner didn’t expect to win, but she was happy to bring home the gold medal for Region 10.
Labason is scheduled to run the 1,500-meter event, where she has a chance to bring home another medal.
In addition to Labason, at least two other athletes from Region 5 also chose to run barefoot. Mary Ann Burilla and Francis Letada also said they perform better without shoes on.
Letada won second place in his heat in the 800-meter dash.
