Last Updated on December 30, 2022 by Andrew Pirie
Arsenio Jazmin
First Published April 11, 2016
Arsenio Jazmin was one of the great early quarter milers from Bicol’s hot spot, who inspired and led Bicol to become a powerhouse in the 400 meters for the decades.
I had the chance to meet the legendary sprinter during my stint as a Palaro Coach for Zamboanga in Albay. He is 80+ years old!
Born May 25, 1935, in Bicol. Jazmin was a late bloomer and didn’t begin to progress until College at FEU under Coach Manuel Mortera.
The 5’10 Jazmin won the National Open in 1960 with a run of 48.8 and also took the win at the BPISAA with a time of 48.9 that same year and also won the 800.
He clocked a 48.3 to win the national championships and a 22.3 in the 200 meters to place fourth behind Isac Gomez, Enrique Bautista, and Claro Pellosis.
Asian Games
In 1962 he timed 49.15 and 48.63 to qualify for the 1962 Asian Games’ finals.
Placing 4th at the Asian Games in Jakarta, this was 48.4 hand-timed (48.49 adjusted time). The Final was won by the famous Milkha Singh of India in 46.95, ahead of countryman Makhan Singh at 47.57, Kimitada Hayase of Japan just robbed Jasmin of a medal with 48.42.
The team of Pellosis, Antonio Suplido, Jazmin, and Roberto Guillergan finished 4th in the 4×400 in 3.15.87.
He won the Tri-Service meet the next year with a 49.5 run in Manila.
Jazmin ran the 400m Dash at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, timing 49.9, was 5th in heat two, and failed to progress. In 1966 he won the National Open in Amoranto Stadium, Quezon City, over Antonio Suplido and Aparicio Mequi.
He later became a national coach and then a paramount coach in Bicol for many years. Among those he coached was Santos Magno, who later went on to be his assistant and an outstanding coach in his own right.
Jazmin held the Philippine 400M Record from 1962 to 1973. Santos and Clemente Lupangoo broke it at the First Asian Championships in Marikina (1973).
Kindly would welcome any more information on Mr. Arsenio Jazmin
Sources:
- http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ja/arsenio-jazmin-1.html
- Various Issues of the Rare Periodical the Filipino Athlete Magazine
- Loito Jazmin (Arsenio Jazmin son)
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