Lauren Hoffman reset the national indoor record in the women’s 600-meter event after finishing in second place in the Hokie Invitational at the Rector Fieldhouse in Blacksburg, Virginia last Saturday.
Hoffman, who competed in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, clocked in one minute and 30.33 seconds behind Duke University teammate Lauren Tolbert, who dominated the 35-woman event with 1:30.29 minutes.
Hoffman eclipsed the previous national record set by fellow Filipino-American runner Daniela Quintero, who clocked in 1:36.93 in 2020.
This is the 24-year-old’s first tournament in the indoor season and she hopes to improve on her time.
“Season opener!! Broke the Philippine National Record for the 600-m. Definitely could have executed my races better but I had so much fun competing again!” Hoffman posted on her social media page.
Newly-appointed Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Jasper Tanhueco told DAILY TRIBUNE Hoffman is one of the federation’s bets to join pole vaulter EJ Obiena in the Paris Olympics.
“It’s a fantastic start. We’re happy for Lauren. She’s a determined fighter with a deep desire to represent our country,” said Tanhueco, who was appointed last 13 January.
“Even though it’s not her main event, her performance contributes to her original event, the 400m hurdles. She’s a key athlete we’re backing to qualify for the Olympics.”
Hoffman joins Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and long jumper Janry Ubas and hurdlers John Cabang and Robyn Brown as one of the strong Filipino athletics bets that have a high chance of making the Olympic grade.
