Alumnus Competes in 2012 London Olympics

A Silliman alumnus qualifies for the 2012 London Olympics.

Mark Javier, who graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2005, now joins the official 11-member Philippine delegation to the 2012 Olympics opening July 27 at the Olympic Stadium in east London.

Reports from the International Archery Federation say that during the 7th World Archery Federation World Cup, the last leg for the archery qualifying games, held in Ogden, Utah, Javier defeated Russia’s Jan Rijavec (7-3) and Denmark’s Bjane Marius Laursen (6-2), making him fifth in the competition. Only the top seven placers of the competition advanced to the Olympics.

Another Filipino archer competing in the Olympics is Rachel Anne Cabral who ranked sixth in the qualifying event for women.

This not the first time Javier made it to the Olympics. In 2008, he was the lone Filipino archer in the Beijing Olympics and made it to the quarterfinals.

Comprising the Philippine delegation, along with Javier and Cabral are: Marestella Torres and Rene Herrera of athletics, Mark Anthony Barriga of boxing, Tomohiko Hoshina of judo, Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting, Brian Rosario of shooting, Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Khing Lacuna of swimming and Daniel Caluag of BMX cycling.  Lightweight boxer Charlie Suarez is still waiting for a confirmation from the International Amateur Boxing Association if he will be given a wildcard slot for the Olympics.

Including Javier, Silliman University has on its roster three Olympians in the field of archery. The first two are Lisa Ygnalaga (Seoul Olympics, 1988) and Jennifer Chan (Sydney Olympics, 2000).