Airex Villanueva's record-breaking performance and a sweep of the 200-meter events anchored the late gold rush in athletics in Day 3 that put Western Visayas in a prime spot to topple 15-time overall champions NCR in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa on Thursday Aug. 3

(Airex Gabriel Villanueva's Facebook)

Villanueva mustered all his might in his 42.83-meter heave in discus throw to shatter the previous mark of 42.67m set in 2018 by Ed Deliña and bag his second gold medal after also topping shot put just a day ago.

Although he knew he would be up for something significant the moment the discus left his hands, he never really thought of breaking the mark. Brimming with pride, he had to let out a loud roar after achieving the feat 

"Nung pagtapon ko, 42, nakita ko sa taas, sabi ko 'yun na. Kahit gano'n, kahit feel ko na malayo, hindi ko ineexpect na mabi-break ko. Sigurio nung sinukat, do'n na. Tapos hindi ko napigilan, napasigaw ako,” said Villanueva.

Over at the track, Krisha Aguilon solidified her claim as this year's undisputed sprint queen after adding the 200m crown to her earlier century dash gold.

Aguilon blitzed through the track and clocked the 26 seconds to highlight Western Visayas' four golds in all of the categories in the 200m run.

Miko Villaran also ruled the boys secondary competitions in a nail-biting photo finish against Ilocos Region's Rainier Jay Rangers with a time of 22.86sec.

Their elementary counterparts also shone with John Mar Pagdato clocking in 24.70sec to reign supreme in the elementary boys 200m run while Mar Jerlyn Ariego ruled the distaff side with a 27.8sec performance.

As of 8 a.m. of Aug. 4, Western Visayas looked solid at the top position with 33 golds, 24 silvers, and 22 bronzes followed by the host NCR with 25 golds, 29 silvers, 25 bronzes. Still at the third spot is Calabarzon with 24 golds, 30 silvers and 23 bronzes.