Before winning YOG silver, Pinay runner got advice from an Olympic legend

Naomi Cesar meets Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. POC Media PoolMANILA – Before sprinting to silver in the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, Filipina runner Naomi Cesar shared a moment with Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge.

Cesar got to meet Kipchoge, who is an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Ambassador, hours before she competed in the women’s 800m final.

The 17-year-old shared to POC Media what the Kenyan marathon legend told her ahead of her competition.

“He told me to go out there, compete, have fun, be proud of myself and remember how far I’ve come,” she told POC Media.  

Cesar eventually took home a silver medal in the women’s 800m final, clocking in a time of 2:09.34, short of her personal best of 2:06.24 set last June.

Ethiopia’s Netsanet Selemon won gold, while Morroco’s Khadija Elmostaqim copped bronze.

“Congratulations Naomi. Mabuhay ka! We are proud of you for bringing home the silver,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino said.

“Big congratulations Naomi. Well done team Philippines!” Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio added.

Cesar’s silver medal is the first for Philippine athletics at the Youth Olympic Games, a feat lauded by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

PATAFA President Terry Capistrano also hailed the 2025 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist for her latest accomplishment.

“Congratulations Naomi and thank you for making the Filipinos proud and happy,” Capistrano said.

Cesar thanked the Filipino people for their support and shared advice to the youth who want to get into sports like athletics.

“This is for all the Filipino kids out there… Just keeping believing in yourself and keep chasing your dreams. And don’t listen to anyone you can’t. You’re the only one who can tell yourself that,” she said.