Negros’ javelin thrower keeps Palaro supremacy from elementary to high school

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – It usually takes time for elementary champions of the Palarong Pambansa to replicate the same success at the high school level.

Not Negros Island Region javelin thrower Christine Rose Toquero.

Only 13 years old, Toquero earned a Palaro gold for the second straight year following her triumph in the secondary girls division at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Prosperidad on Monday, May 25.

Her victory came just a year after she broke the Palaro record in the elementary girls class with a throw of 49.77 meters in the 2025 Ilocos Norte edition.

“I’m really happy to get the gold medal,” said Toquero, who beat out significantly older opponents. 

Toquero of Escalante City, Negros Occidental struck gold this year with a 45.22m throw. Participants at the secondary level use a javelin that weighs 500 grams, heavier than 400g variant utilized at the elementary level. 

“I did not expect to get the gold because I managed only 42 [meters] in the regionals,” said Toquero. 

Toquero started as a runner, competing in the 800m and 1,500m events, before she switched to javelin throw when she was in Grade 5. 

That change proved fruitful and she dreams of representing the country on the biggest sporting stages.

“I want to make the Olympics and the Asian Games,” Toquero said. – Rappler.com