Traven, Reylyn return to competition

Traven Quitugua and Reylyn Sapong reintroduced themselves to the athletics community by winning the century dash of the local Oceania Virtual Championships held last Dec. 20 at the Oleai track and field.

Quitugua topped the men’s 100m in a time of 11.56 to beat a five-man field that also included Leowell Cristobal (11.95), Theo Rodgers (12.18), Orrin Pharmin (12.34), and Michael Rodgers (12.8).

“I didn’t really feel anything when I won the event. I used to be in the national team for track and I did the 100m and 200m events and I’m now trying to get back to training,” said Quitugua.

Quitugua

He is dedicating his 100m victory to no one else but himself.

“Nobody but myself to get better. But yeah I was a national team member before. Now that I’m working I’m trying to get back again.”

Sapong, for her part, returned to her beloved sport without seemingly skipping a beat by winning the women’s 100m in 13.26. She was followed by the only other competitor in the event, Maria Quitugua (15.09).

“It’s been nine years since my last competition. The virtual meet was exciting but I’m looking forward to more in-person events,” said Sapong.

The Asia Pacific Group of Raymond James in Guam staff had been delving on weightlifting before deciding to return to her first love during the virtual meet.

“I’ve been focused on weightlifting for the last year but recently decided to run again due to an injury. During the pandemic I found myself more motivated to train.”

Sapong

Taking part in the Dec. 20 meet apparently sparked something inside Sapong as she is now contemplating trying out for this year’s Pacific Mini Games that the CNMI will be hosting for the first time ever.

“I joined the event for fun and had no intentions to compete in the Mini Games. That’s changed and now I’d like to compete with my sister, Zarinae Sapong, the CNMI’s top sprinter.”

Last October, Oceania Athletics announced it will be conducting its regional championships online through the 2021 Oceania Athletics Virtual Championships.

“With the world, and especially the Pacific feeling the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it has meant that it is now, over two years, since we have been able to gather as an Oceania Athletics family in person,” said Oceania Athletics.

It said the 2021 Oceania Athletics Virtual Championships would allow athletes of all ages and abilities to compete, albeit virtually, for medals and to be crowned Oceania Virtual Champion.

The 2021 Oceania Athletics Virtual Championships was held in partnership with Oceania Masters Athletics Association and saw champions crowned and medals awarded across multiple age groups, from under 14 to 80 years of age.