Hurdlers Tolentino, Hoffman join Philippine team to Paris Olympics

Athletics’ John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman became the newest additions to the Paris-bound Philippine team to the 2024 Olympics. 

Tolentino booked a spot in the men’s 110-meter hurdles, while Hoffman secured her ticket in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. 

The entry of the two hurdlers at the close of the qualifying window for athletics brought to 22 the total number of athletes that the Philippines is sending to the Olympics — the most since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. 

Tolentino and Hoffman will also join men’s pole vault champion EJ Obiena as the three representatives of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) are competing in Paris. 

Three other athletes — Kristina Knott, Robyn Brown, and Eric Cray– did their best but failed to qualify by June 30.

Last week, Knott was in contention for the women’s 200 meters, initially ranked 40th, before dropping to 57th. 

Brown also fell short after placing 53rd, while Cray finished 50th in the men’s 400m hurdles. 

The Philippine delegation to the Paris Olympics Games includes fencer Samantha Catantan, boxers Eumir Marcial,Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Aira Villegas, and Hergie Bacyadan; golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina ; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Ruivivar, swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch; weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando, and John Ceniza; judo Kiyomi Watanabe; and rower Joanie Delgaco.