All Filipino medallists in the athletics meet of the 31st Southeast Asian Games will surely see action in Cambodia next year.
National coach Jojo Posadas said this after Team Philippines came up with a productive performance in the recently Vietnam games.
The Philippines finished third overall in athletics with five golds, seven silvers, and 14 bronzes for a total of 26 medals.
“The same medallists will go to Cambodia, based on the criteria,” said Posadas, who remained upbeat even if Team Philippines did not match or surpass the 11 gold, 8 silver, and 8 bronze medals that they came up in the 2019 SEA Games as hosts.
Asia’s best pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena led the country’s quest for gold when he set a new Games record of 5.46 meters.
The other gold medals came from William Morrison in the men’s shot put (18.14 meters) and Clinton Bautista, who set a new national mark in the 110m hurdles at 13.78 seconds.
Then’s there’s Eric Cray, who retained the men’s 400m hurdles crown for a fifth time.
Another gold came from Kayla Richardson, who regained the 100-meter sprint honors in 11.60 seconds.
“Sure na sila, based on the standard criteria,” said Posadas.
Next to the athletics in medal production was gymnastics with seven golds, four silvers, and three bronzes.
Dancesports is third with 5-5-2 finish.
The silver medallists in athletics were Kyla Richardson (200 meters, 23.56), Hokett delos Santos (pole vault, 5 meters), Janry Ubas (long jump, 7.73 meters), Aries Toledo (decathlon, 7499), Sarah Dequinan (Heptahlon), Harry Diones (triple jump, 15.87m) and Hallasgo.
Among those who snared bronze medals were Kayla Richardson (200 meters, 23.87), Joida Gagnao (5000m and 3000m, steeplechase), Alfrence Braza (men’s 1500m, 3:56.35), Melvin Calano (javelin, 66.86m), Sonny Wagdos (men’s 5000m, 16:39:89), Ubas (decathlon, 6977 pts), Bernalyn Bejoy, Jessel Lumapas, Edgardo Alejan, Jr. and Joyme Sequita (4×400 Mixed Relay), Jelly Paragile (100m Hurdles), Alyana Nicolas (pole vault), Robyn Brown (women’s 400m Hurdles, 56.44 seconds), Morrison (discus throw), Evalyn Palbrica (javelin, 49.07 meters) and Bejoy, Brown, Eloise Medina and Maureen Schrijvers (4×400, Women’s Relay).
