SEVENTEEN-year-old Eric Joachim Hechanova of Barangay Baay, Lingayen, delivered an outstanding performance in men’s athletics after bagging two gold medals in the Batang Pinoy 2025 held from October 25 to 31 in General Santos City.

Hechanova dominated the 1,500-meter run against 10 elite runners, clocking in at 4 minutes and 1 second to win the gold and shatter the 2024 national record of Randy Degolacion from the National Capital Region, who set a time of 4 minutes and 4 seconds.

In the 5,000-meter run, Hechanova captured another gold medal after outpacing 34 competitors with a time of 15 minutes and 26 seconds. He broke his own national record of 15 minutes and 57 seconds from last year’s Batang Pinoy to successfully defend his title.

“Breaking two records is an incredible feat. These achievements are the result of my hardship, sacrifices, and discipline. As an athlete, you must aim higher and consistently work on your goals,” Hechanova said. (Kim Gealogo)