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Simeon Toribio
Simeon Galvez Toribio (September 3, 1905 – June 5, 1969) was a Filipino high jumper and politician. Early life and educationToribio studied at Silliman University.[3] Athletics careerHe competed at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics and won a bronze medal in 1932. In 1928, he cleared the same height as the silver and bronze medalists Benjamin Hedges and Claude Ménard, but lost the jump-off and placed fourth.[4] Toribio served as the flag bearer for the Philippines at the 1936 Games, where he finished 12th.[2][5] According to author Jorge Afable, Toribio could have won the gold medal, if not only for the "call of nature". It was a grueling four-hour competition to jump over the bar raised at six feet and six inches high. Toribio, who once made the jump, failed to overcome it the second time because he was distressed by call of nature.[1] RecognitionToribio was the recipient of the 1930 Helms World Trophy for being Asia's greatest athlete, the only Filipino to be awarded this honor.[6] Also in 1930, he was awarded the title "Asia’s Greatest Athlete".[2] Post-athletics careerToribio later became a civil engineer.[2] In 1941, he was elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines, representing the Second District of Bohol, and served until 1953.[2] Later life and deathHe settled in Carmen, Bohol and died there in 1969. His descendants are continuing his legacy in Public Service.[when?][further explanation needed][2] References Wikimedia Commons has media related to Simeón Toribio.
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