Western Visayas hurdles queen gracious even as Palaro 4-peat bid falls short

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Angel Villagracia of Capiz National High School remains grateful even after falling short of a fourth straight gold medal in the secondary girls' 100m hurdles as she settles for bronze in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – Western Visayas hurdles queen Angel Villagracia missed out on a rare four-peat in the Palarong Pambansa, but as painful as her loss is, she chose to look at the silver lining.

The 18-year-old from Capiz National High School remained gracious in defeat even after falling short of a fourth straight gold medal in the secondary girls’ 100m hurdles as she settled for bronze on Monday, May 25, at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex here in Prosperidad.

Villagracia, the champion in the 2023 Marikina, 2024 Cebu City, and 2025 Ilocos Norte editions, finished with a time of 14.57 seconds to place behind National Capital Region champion Ma. Lhynette Librada (14.04) and Western Visayas teammate Angelica Belandres (14.44).

“I was hoping for a four-peat. But it’s okay. If something’s meant for you, then it’s for you. I know that I gave my best so I have no regrets,” said Villagracia in a mix of Filipino and English. 

Villagracia said she suffered a partial tear on her left anterior cruciate ligament two months before the Palaro.

She still pushed through with the competition, although she was in visible pain after the race as she cried while she was being tended to by medical personnel.

But the idea that she failed to live up to expectations perhaps hurt more. 

“I’m very sad because of people’s disappointment in me. I don’t like disappointing people because I take it to heart,” said Villagracia. 

“I can’t explain it, but I’m hurting because of the expectations of my family and friends. I also don’t want to get bashed.”

While it was not the storybook ending Villagracia had hoped for her Palaro career as she moves on to the collegiate ranks, she took the experience in stride.

“I’m still grateful because I was able to get the bronze. Other athletes only dream of that, but the Lord gave me the opportunity to win a medal,” Villagracia said. – Rappler.com