Naomi Marjorie Cesar became the first Filipina athlete to win a medal at the Youth Olympic Games after claiming silver in the women’s 800-meter final in Dakar, Senegal.

Cesar clocked 2 minutes, 9.34 seconds to secure second place, marking the Philippines' first-ever athletics medal in the history of the Youth Olympic Games.

The Filipino runner was in fourth place with 100 meters remaining before unleashing a late surge to overtake her rivals and secure a podium finish.

Netsanet Selemon of Ethiopia won gold in 2:04.43, while Khadja Elmostaqim of Morocco took bronze in 2:10.05.

Philippine Athletics Inc. hailed Cesar's achievement as a historic milestone for the country, congratulating her coach and father, Ben Cesar, for guiding her campaign.

The athletics association also recognized the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and private partners in developing Filipino athletes.