Ralph Soguilon: The Pinoy Bolt

If Jamaica takes pride in Usain Bolt for his legendary exploits in his running shoes, the Philippines has its own lightning-quick speedster to call its own. A native of General Santos City and a proud alumnus of DLSU, Ralph Soguilon has etched his name in history books as the Philippines’ fastest man.

The former DLSU Trackster and National Athlete Soguilon currently holds the distinction of being the fastest Filipino ever, holding the fastest local times for the 100 and 200 meter dash to earn him the right to be dubbed the country’s fastest man.

After his record-setting performances in the United States, the former UAAP back-to-back MVP sprinted his way to greater heights when he played a pivotal role in DLSU’s lone UAAP athletics championship in history during the 2004 season.

Once in a generation

Leaving his competitors with dust in the oval, Soguilon has broken several records in national and international athletics level as he outpaced other top-caliber athletes from across the Pacific. The proud product of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos City redefined the Filipino brand of athletics when he blossomed, taking a big step from being one of the UAAP’s best to leading Team Pilipinas as the top representative in the SEA Games held in Manila eight years ago.

The one-time UAAP Athelete of the Year, alongside countrymen Albert Salcedo, Henry Dagmil, and Arnold Villarube, bagged a silver medal in the 4×100 event after finishing in 40.55 seconds.

After his SEA Games stint, he committed his support to the sport in various ways, leading him to receive the De La Salle Alumni Sports Development Achievement Award thrice.

Brains and brawn

Aside from being a runner, Soguilon is a licensed electronics and communications engineer. He excelled with his academics during his stay at La Salle and even received the UAAP Athlete Scholar award for his academic endeavors.

For Ralph Soguilon, who currently works as a general manager for Wireless Link Technologies, Inc., his track and field career is now over after he suffered numerous injuries through the years. Nevertheless, he will always be remembered by many as that runner who never quits until the finish line has been crossed with both his body and mind steadfast.