Knott misses out on Olympic spot; Team Philippines final count is 22

Kristina Marie Knott (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Sprinter Kristina Knott missed the Olympic bus, closing out the qualification journey of Filipino athletes hoping to join the Paris Olympics.

Hurdlers John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman are the final entries for Team Philippines, which officially stands at 22 athletes across nine sports.

With three entries in the quadrennial global showpiece, optimism is sky-high for the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) in terms of performance, not to mention EJ Obiena’s ability to medal in men’s pole vault.

“We’re positive and confident that they will perform at the highest level,’’ said Patafa secretary general Jasper Tanhueco.

Both Hoffman and Cabang will run the heats of the 400-meter hurdles on Aug. 4 at the 81,000-seat Stade de France a day after Obiena, the world’s No. 2 vaulter, competes in the qualification round of his event.

Obiena is expected to progress to the medal phase on Aug. 5.

“They are not there just to participate. Hopefully, they could win a medal for our country, let’s just wait what they can accomplish and stay positive,’’ said Tanhueco. INQ