A girl from San Jose town, in Oriental Negros, yesterday gave the Philippines its first gold medal in athletics in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Marestella Torres, 24, leapt to a distance of 6.47 meters to beat teammate Lerma Balauitan-Gabito, for a 1-2 finish for the Philippines as the duo jumpstarted the hosts' bid in the biennial event.

Reserving her best for last, Torres recorded her best jump in her sixth and final attempt to beat the Bulauitan's 6.45 meters to the delight of a big Sunday crowd that included First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. "I'm very proud knowing that I'm the first Filipino to win a gold, said Torres, considered the favorite in the event after winning a silver in the tough Asian Athletics Championship last July," Torres said.

"I had high expectations. Of course, I'm happy but there was also a lot of pressure. Thank God I made it. This is for my countrymen," she said.

Escorted by Go, the first gentleman walked down from the stand to personally congratulate Torres.

"We're proud of you. Work hard during practice so you can win not just in the SEA Games but in other international meets," Arroyo told Torres.

The First Gentleman also shook the hand of Gabito who failed to improve on her best effort recorded on the second attempt. The former heir apparent fo Elma Muros-Posadas, actually, had a chance to snatch the victory but she faulted on her sixth and last try.

Malaysian Ngew Sin Mei took the bronze with a leap of 6.27 meters.

Although the winning distance of Torres was way behind her 6.63-meter record registered in the Asian meet in Incheon, South Korea, Go said he is very happy with the performance of her wards, more popularly know as GTK's Army.

"It's a double whammy considering that we won the gold and silver medals. As I said even before the meet started, I'm confident that our athletes will make us proud," Go said.

Torres and Gabito are also entered in the 4x100 meter relay along with veteran Elma Muros and Honey Joy Ortaliz. The final event is scheduled on Tuesday.

Mikaela Santos and Deborah Samson also vied in the pole vault but were humbled by Rosalinda Samsu of Malaysia.*

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