Pasig City, Philippines – Bernalyn Bejoy, a national athlete, clinched the 400m gold medal, maintaining De La Salle University's lead in the women's division at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 athletics competition. The event took place at the Philsports track oval in Pasig City, marking a significant achievement for the university's athletic team.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bejoy, a 23-year-old runner from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, secured her victory in a photo finish against teammate Jessel Lumapas, with both recording a time of 55.75 seconds. Lenlyn Sanita of National University (NU) finished third, earning the bronze medal with a time of 57.67 seconds. This win adds to Bejoy's medal tally, including a bronze in the 200m race on Thursday.
Bejoy expressed her surprise at securing a medal in the 200m event, which was not her primary focus. However, her self-belief and determination paid off. In the 400m race, she emphasized the team spirit, noting that regardless of who won between her and Lumapas, it would benefit La Salle. Her last-second push secured her the gold medal.
Lumapas, Bejoy's teammate, also shone later in the day by winning the 4x100m relay gold along with Trexie dela Torre, Hannah Delotavo, and Erica Ruto. The team set a league-best time of 47.02 seconds, outpacing Far Eastern University and the University of Santo Tomas.
La Salle's successful streak continued with Daniela Daynata setting a new UAAP record in the discus throw with a distance of 44.81 meters. NU's Jane Cambonga and the University of the East's Kassandra Alcantara followed with silver and bronze, respectively.
Other notable winners included Ateneo's Jia Kawachi in the pole vault and the University of the Philippines' Sally Campus in the 3000m walk.
In the men's division, the University of the Philippines maintained its lead, boasting five golds, five silvers, and three bronze medals. Alhryan Labita of UP achieved a personal best in the 400m and contributed to the 4x100m relay win alongside John Carlo Yuzon, Clint Niño Neri, and Gene Ordinario. The team clocked 41.90 seconds, securing the gold medal, with NU and the University of the East taking silver and bronze, respectively.