by Pirie Enzo
A member of the national team for over a decade, Navy man Rene Herrera began off playing second fiddle to Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista in the 3k Steeplechase.
When the illustrious Vertek decided to move up to the 5k and 10k, Herrera quickly became the dominant force in the steeplechase and continued the Philippines’ ownership of the Sea Games championship in that event from 2003 and beyond.
At 32 years of age, Herrera went into the Sea Games up against two very strong Vietnamese opponents but the veteran rose to the challenge fighting all the way to the line for his 5th consecutive Sea Games title and delivered one of the only 2 golds for the Philippines.
Rene Herrera 24/5/79
Best Times:
- 1500m 3.50.89 Manila 30/11/2005
- 5k 14.51.40 Bacolod 26/5/2011
- 3ksc 8.47.14 Bangkok 2005
Herrera is the Philippines’ 3rd fastest ever 3k Steeplechaser behind Hector Begeo (8.35) and Eduardo Buenavista (8.40).
5-Time SEA Games Gold Medalist
2003 – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase – 8:50.78
2005 – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase – 8:56.14
2007 – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase – 8:54.21
2009 – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase – 9:11.20
2011 – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase – 8:52.23
had the opportunity to actually meet and talk to an unassuming, simple,humble 32 year old “ordinary” pinoy, who rides a motorcycle to get around. Much as I wanted to get “into” the man,time flew and left us no more time after the session.
One of the questions I threw was whether the support from the PSC was critical to his winning. Though had expected what his answer was gonna’ be, my heart sank for a while there. Moreso now that he apparently qualified for the Olympic Games, with the same support, how can one possibly give this hero a chance? He has undoubtedly shown the dedication and desire to win, as the five-5 South East Asian Games Gold medalist has brought to the country despite the minimal support. Why in the world can’t the sports associations give this guy the apt support having proven himself? In a family gathering at Shangri – la, I saw Mr. James Yap, apparently going up to his room. Compare the two athlete’s feats, in re to one’s contribution to the country’s sports annals or even in Asia, ironic. No offense mr yap but doesn’t it seem unfair? Of course this is of my own personal opinion but mr herrera should be acknowleged and rewarded accordingly to the each’s contribution and desrves more especially and particularly as to his status, financial in particular, and acclaim and recognition in general. My utmost regard to mr herrera, to my eyes, you are a superstar, an icon who comands our admiration and respect. maraming salamat rene, at isang karangalang makilala’t makasama.