Pi Durden Forward Wangkay, 17, made Philippine sports history when he won bronze in the men’s 200-meter sprint at the ongoing Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
He is the first Filipino male athlete to win a medal at the Games, which bring together athletes ages 15 to 18 from around the world.
This year’s Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are being held in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) organizes the multi-sport event every four years.
For Pi, track and field runs in the family.
Pi’s mother and coach, Jonah Genilza-Wangkay, won the 400-meter title at the Palarong Pambansa in the 1990s.
She also ran for De La Salle University in the UAAP and represented the Philippines in international competitions.
Pi is following in her footsteps as a sprinter.
He is a Grade 12 student at De La Salle Zobel in Muntinlupa, where Jonah also coaches.
Before winning bronze at the Youth Olympic Games, Pi had already earned several medals at national and Asian competitions.
In 2025, Pi won the boys’ 100-meter and 200-meter titles at the Palarong Pambansa.
That same year, he won gold in the boys’ 200-meter sprint at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
GETTING INTO SPORTS AT AN EARLY AGE
The teen athlete explained that he got into sports when he was in Grade 3 and has been doing sports for nine years already, he revealed in Sports Radio 918 interview.
He explained that he also played football and swam, but found sprinting the most fulfilling and enjoyable.
“Na-e-enjoy ko talaga yung feeling na mabilis, na may hangin. Masaya siya,” he said about his sport.
He also revealed that he is deeply inspired by his coach-mom.
PI ON YOG AND HIS PREPARATIONS
Pi holds so much promise as an athlete. And he proved this with his recent achievement in the YOG.
He began winning medals at international competitions at age 15.
Days before flying to Senegal for Dakar 2026, Pi said in a recent interview that representing the country meant a lot to him.
“Definitely it means a lot for me kasi first world appearance ko.
“Never pa ako naka-run outside of Asia, so andaming on the line here.
“Pero, siyempre, no pressure on me. No expectation. Only expect na to be able to run well, and to be able to make everyone proud, especially, myself po.”
He added that his preparation is more of mental and physical.
“I treat it parang a normal day kasi, if I change anything mawawala ang focus ko po.
“Then calm the nerves, drink lots of water, food, fuel up for the big battle. Full eight hours sleep…”
He also has a clear idea of what he wants to achieve.
“Napaghandaan ko na po talaga since madami na akong experience na international competitions,” he told YOG.
“Win [or] lose, it doesn’t matter. What matters is I appeared po.”
His secret to effective training: consistency and discipline.
Every single day, he trains, at the same time, makes sure he gets rest and recovery.
Almost a decade in sports, Pi said hew has learned how to keep his focus.
“I’m still having fun, at the same time, na hindi ako yung relaxed masyado, na nagiging lazy.
“So having fun, discipline, serious sa sport, pero still taking time to have fun from the sport.”
Just like a lot of kids his age, he enjoys playing mobile games. He also tries other sports, like swimming and basketball.
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WHAT’S IN A NAME
Meanwhile, Pi’s unique name—Pi Durden Forward Wangkay—also generates interest.
He said that it was his father who thought of it.
Just like in math, Pi is an irregular number which is infinite.
“It means kahit anong infinite possibilities… meaning kahit anong i-take path, maging successful,” the teen explained.
Durden is derived from the name Tyler Durden, the protagonist played by Brad Pitt in the 1999 hit movie, Fight Club.
Then “Forward,” which means keep moving forward.
Pi pointed out that his third name aptly fits him well, because it is the movement of his sport.
And when doubt creeps in, Pi draws inspiration from his own name.
“Whenever may mga times na napapaisip ako, na nawawalan ng direction, makikita ko pa lang sa name ko napapaisip po ako talaga: ano ang para sa akin, ano ang dapat gawin ko…
“So titingnan ko ang name ko, naiisip ko na yung gagawin ko; ano yung next step forward ko… forward…
“So medyo parang may sariling footnote sa name ko na ito ba ang dapat kong gawin; ito ba yung guidelines ko po.”
And wherever Pi races next, he says he’ll go in with the same goal he’s always had—to beat his own record.