Manila, Philippines – Jeralyn Rodriguez, 18 years old, is part of the Philippines’ Women Track and Field 400m category, and will compete in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
With coach Isidro Del Prado’s guidance —a two-time Filipino Olympian, and the Philippine record holder of the 400m (45.57), they are poised to have him by their side.
In an interview with Eurotv News, she humbly shared her expectations on the upcoming games, claiming that they are dedicated to performing their 100%, and hoping to have a good and fair game.
“Hindi naman natin masasabi kung para sa atin ‘yon (to win), eh, pero ibibigay namin yung best… Sana po bigyan kami ng magandang laban, and patas,” Jeralyn answered.
She also added the countries that she sees as a threat —the countries are Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, in which they already faced off in the previous National Open in Indonesia. What she felt facing off such tough opponents is full of jitters, yet she still got the job done.
“Kaba, tapos ‘Laban lang’, ganon. Walang susuko,” her overall thoughts on facing tough opponents.
With that, she studies her opponents, including on how they run, as others pose unique forms. Despite that, Jeralyn and her team followed their traditional training regimens.
Instead of having a non-approachable vibe with opponents as they are rival country teams, she still approaches them in a friendly manner, and continues to be humble with them.
Jeralyn started doing athletics when she was in 4th grade in a tryout, and suddenly saw her potential. She started competing in international games at 18 years old, and the rest is history.
One of her latest achievements are: Malaysia Open Athletics Championship 2025 – Women’s 400m Gold Medalist, 14th Asian School Games, Brunei Darussalam 2025 – Gold Medalist, 400m Girls, 17th SEA U18 & U20 Athletics Championship, North Sumatera 2025 – Gold Medalist, Women’s U20 200m – Silver Medalist, and Women’s U20 400m – Gold Medalist.
On the other hand, her inspiration in the competition are her family, coaches, and relatives that pushes her utmost limits.
“Number one, yung mga family ko, lalong lalo na si coach (Isidro Del Prado) na hindi sumusuko, gumigising ng anong oras para gisingin kaming lahat dito para mag training, and sa mga kamag-anak ko sa Bicol na walang sawang sumusuporta sa’min …nagsisimula pa lang (ako), todo support na silang lahat,” Jeralyn’s response.
The Athletics team will fly to Thailand this December 9, and will have their first game this December 11 in the 33rd SEA Games. – Kyle Basa, Eurotv News