At A Glance
- BANGKOK – The Philippine track and field team, consisting of 61 athletes, wrapped up the athletics competitions at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on a triumphant note, achieving an impressive haul of five gold, seven silver and 19 bronze medals at the Suphachalasai National Stadium.
BANGKOK – The Philippine track and field team, consisting of 61 athletes, wrapped up the athletics competitions at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on a triumphant note, achieving an impressive haul of five gold, seven silver and 19 bronze medals at the Suphachalasai National Stadium.
This strong performance firmed up the team's growing reputation in the regional sports arena.
Former world No. 2 EJ Obiena capped off the country’s remarkable campaign by clinching his fourth straight SEA Games gold medal in pole vault, albeit in a nail-biting fashion. He narrowly edged out local favorite Amsamarng Patsapong, winning with a new meet record of 5.70 meters. Both athletes cleared this height, surpassing the previous SEAG record by 5 centimeters. Obiena secured the gold due to his successful clearance on the first attempt, while Patsapong needed three attempts.
Obiena’s personal best of 6.00 meters, achieved during the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where he finished the season ranked world No. 2, underscores his status as one of the premier pole vaulters in the world. Currently ranked fifth in the World Athletics Rankings, he continues to be a driving force for the Philippine team.
The Filipino athletes demonstrated remarkable talent and determination throughout the competition. Hurdler John Christopher Cabang, decathlete Hokett Delos Santos, and middle-distance runners Hussein Loraña and Naomi Marjorie Cesar all contributed to the team's success, showcasing the depth of skills within the squad.