While at high school in Ambos Camarines, Saavedra was trained by a Nebraskan sports coach, Clinton "Doc" Fehliman,[1] who taught for six years in the country during its era of American influence.

Although primarily interested in American football, Fehliman trained Saavedra in a variety track and field sports as an all-round athlete.

Saavedra proved to be the star athlete for the Philippines at the competition: he won the 100-yard dash, pole vault, high jump and the decathlon.

He was less successful at this competition, but still came away with multiple medals in the form of a long jump silver (behind fellow Filipino C. Cardenas) and a bronze in the decathlon.

The Philippines team won a third title, helped by Fortunato Catalon's sprint double, although the nation was equal on gold medals with the hosts on this occasion.