David Nepomuceno – First Filipino to compete in Olympics
After our first great sprinter Fortunato Catalon who won four consecutive Far East titles from 1917 to 1923 in the 100 yards (91m) and 220 yards (201.1m) and 1925 100m. Fortunato successor was David Nepomuceno. David Nepomuceno was born in Oas Albay in 1900. He enlisted in the Philippine Scouts after starring in school competitions.
Olympic Games
Having defeated Catalon at the 1924 National Championships, David Nepomuceno was selected as the sole representative for the Olympic Games in Paris, France. He was the first-ever Filipino to represent the Philippines. The Philippines joined the IOC (International Olympic Committee in 1918). Nepomuceno was accompanied to Paris by Dr. Reginio Ylanan. Unfortunately, David Nepomuceno failed to qualify past the first round of the 100 and 200m.
In 1925 he ran 2/5 of a second short of the then-world record. David Nepomuceno specialized in the 100m. At the 1925 Far East Games, he clocked the fastest time of 10.8 in the heats. But in a muddy rain-drenched final, it was the shorter legs of Catalon; which held the advantage in the pouring rain to win the gold in a slow 11.1; David came home second.
However, David was the victor in the 200m (straight race), defeating Catalon.
In 1927 he won the 100m (11.0) but failed to defend his 200m title, finishing third at the Far East Games.
Although David was still top 10 in the world by 1927. He had fallen behind a fresh upcoming star, 21-year-old Anselmo Gonzaga. Who broke the Philippine Record with a mark of 10.5s, which Nepomuceno had held since 1924.
David died in action during World War II and several other Filipino athletes on September 27, 1939.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nepomuceno came to dominate when the metric system was replacing the old imperial yard system. *The 200m straight race was famous until the 1960s and deleted from the record books.
The US Navy man Nepomuceno whose taller frame and longer stride were better suited to the additional 9 meters added. Rather than the shorter aging Fortunato Catalon who was a few years older than Nepomuceno. Therefore the two Filipino sprinters were ranked among the top ten in the world throughout the 1920s. In other words, a feat that has never been equaled.
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