Mark Mahinay (PNA file photo)
CEBU – He may not have bagged a medal, but Mark Mahinay’s heart-pounding performance at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Bochum, Germany proved that dreams, grit, and determination can carry a Filipino runner halfway across the globe.
The 22-year-old pride of Catmon, Cebu, stood as the lone flagbearer for the Philippines in athletics—competing against the cream of the crop among the world’s best student-athletes. And while the podium remained just out of reach, Mahinay made waves with his remarkable finishes and unbreakable spirit.
“This was a dream I never thought would come true,” said Mahinay, a third-year Information Technology student at the University of Cebu. “But I stood there, side by side with the world’s best, and I gave it everything.”
He delivered a personal best in the grueling 10,000-meter event, clocking in at 31:29.38. In the 1,500 meters and 5,000 meters, Mahinay posted season-best times of 3:55.07 and 15:17.53, respectively—showing just how far his hard work had taken him.
“Three races in a row was never going to be easy, but I’m proud I didn’t back down,” he said. “I fought for every step. I ran with my heart.”
Mahinay’s journey to the World University Games was made possible by Dr. German Mayo, president of Spectrum Runners Phils., whose unwavering support also helped him represent the country at the 2024 ASEAN University Games in Indonesia.
“I’ll always be grateful to Dr. Mayo,” Mahinay shared. “He believed in me when this dream still felt impossible. Thanks to him, I became a part of the SpectrumRunners family, and I now carry that pride with me everywhere.”
In Indonesia, Mahinay gave a glimpse of his potential—winning silver in the 10,000m, bronze in the 4x400m relay, and placing fourth in the 1,500m at his very first international tournament.
Back home, he’s already a local legend—sweeping the 10,000m, 5,000m, and 1,500m events at the 2024 PRISAA National Games in Tuguegarao City.
At the 2025 World University Games, Mahinay was one among 8,500 student-athletes from over 100 countries, all competing in 18 different sports. And while the medals went elsewhere, he came home with something far more valuable—growth, pride, and the fire to push further.
“I didn’t just run for myself,” Mahinay said. “I ran for Catmon. I ran for Cebu. I ran for every Filipino dreamer who thinks the world is too big for us. It’s not. We just have to keep running toward it.”
Mahinay may not have reached the finish line with a medal, but he returned a champion in every sense.