Thomasian hurdler Ivan Cabanda earned a seeded spot in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Under-20 Athletics Championships after clocking 51.75 seconds in the men’s 400-meter hurdles at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon on Aug. 6.
Cabanda placed just outside the podium in Heat 6 and finished 27th overall among 67 competitors in the world championship.
His performance secured him seeding at the SEA U20 Championships, scheduled for Nov. 6 to 8.
His 51.75-second time was only 0.21 seconds off his U20 national record of 51.54 seconds.
UST head coach Junrey Bano told the Varsitarian Cabanda’s experience with the national team would benefit him as he competes in UAAP Season 89.
“As a coach, I can tell you that [at] his age, he has achieved an extraordinary and historic performance for UST and the Philippine track and field team. Reaching this level at such a young age proves he possesses a champion mentality,” Bano said.
Cabanda qualified for the World U20 Championships after clocking 52.99 seconds in the UAAP Season 88 athletics tournament in November, surpassing the 53-second qualifying standard.
The Season 87 Rookie of the Year later broke the Palarong Pambansa record in the 400-meter hurdles in May, posting 51.7 seconds to win gold in Agusan del Sur.
