Coach Rio hopes to keep Olympic hopes alive for younger generation

Coach Rio dela Cruz and Dingdong Dantes during the launch of RUNRIO Trilogy.

Local running guru Rio Dela Cruz never realized his dream of competing in the Olympics, but what he sees is a younger generation that can potentially fulfill it.

During the press launch of Run Rio Trilogy, Dela Cruz said he plans to develop young athletes who one day can compete in the Summer Games.

“My dream was to compete in the Olympics, but I can’t do that anymore because I’m old,” said the 35-year-old Dela Cruz Friday at Okada Manila. “Now I can guide our potential runners to fulfill my dreams, and their dreams, and also to guide them in their education.”

Dela Cruz is the head coach of the track and field team of University of the Philippines, and he went to the Palarong Pambansa in Antique to recruit potential Maroons.

He added he can enlist young athletes as part of his team, and subsequently give them scholarships in UP.

“Once you get the education and you have the passion for running, you have a chance because we don’t need height unlike other sports like basketball,” said Dela Cruz who was once a UP Maroon. “You’re running as an individual so it’s really about heart.”

Dela Cruz added he plans to create a Run Rio Track and Field Foundation that will become the breeding ground for potential Olympians.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll produce Olympians, the hope is still there,” said Dela Cruz.