Jayson Valdez stays on target to surpass dad’s feat

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine shooting is placing its bets on “weekend warrior” Jayson Valdez in the coming Indonesia Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine National Shooting Association president Mikee Romero said he is optimistic of the 16-year-old neophyte’s chances because of the determination he has been showing in training.

Valdez is the son of three-time SEA Games champion Julius.

“He still has a long way to go but he is very focused,” said the elder Valdez. “He used to just train on weekends because of studies. But now he trains intensely every day, so I can say he’s ready.”

Romero said: “Watch out for this young sensation; he could be the first athlete to produce the Olympic gold medal our country has desired for so long. Jayson is full of talent, a warrior at heart.”

Jayson will compete in the 50-meter rifle prone, 50-m rifle 3-position and 10-m air rifle events where his father bagged the SEA Games golds. Shooting will be held in Palembang.

“After the Asian Airgun Championships in Kuwait, I already trained daily to correct some minor flaws,” said Valdez. “I’m more confident now than before, and hopefully I can improve my scores. I have to be extra sharp and tough to win.”

Also donning the national tri-colors in the SEA Games are veteran and seven-time champion Nathaniel “Tac” Padilla, Mae Concepcion, Inna Therese Gutierrez, Carolino Gonzales, Mark Lorenz Manosca, Lovely Venus Tan, Andrea Faustman, Frances Nicole Medina, Shanin Lyn Gonzales and Clarissa Esteves.