Bacolodnon runner Bernalyn Bejoy clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 800-meter run at the Southeast Asian Games, held at Bangkok’s Suphachalasai National Stadium.
The Philippines celebrated a strong podium finish in the event as Naomi Cesar captured the gold medal, while Bejoy delivered an impressive performance to finish third, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Bejoy is a former track and field standout from the Romanito P. Maravilla Sr. National High School in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City, where she honed her athletic skills before rising to national prominence.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya congratulated Bejoy and the other Bacolodnons who represented the country in the annual international competition.
“We congratulate her and the rest of the Bacolodnons who represented the nation in the SEA Games. This is why our thrust is to further improve our grassroots sports program,” Gasataya said.
The mayor underscored the city’s initiatives to support student-athletes, including the provision of monthly allowances, training uniforms, and other forms of assistance aimed at motivating and equipping athletes as they progress from local to national competitions.
Bejoy’s former coach, Addy Arca, expressed pride in her achievement on social media, praising her perseverance, discipline, and heart in chasing her athletic dreams. Arca noted that her journey inspires young athletes, proving determination and hard work can lead to international success.
Bejoy previously won silver in the women’s 4×400-meter relay at the 2023 SEA Games, further cementing her status as one of the Philippines’ rising track stars.*