The Philippines avenged its fourth place finish in 2021.
0.01 seconds.
That’s what separated the Philippines and Thailand from winning the gold medal in the men's 1600m relay finals in the Southeast Asian Games.
In an unbelievable race, Team Philippines seemingly willed their way to bring home the gold for the country.
The team was composed of Frederick Ramires, Michael del Prado, Joyme Sequita, and Umajesty Williams.
“Honestly, binigay ko yung best ko talaga sa larong ito,” Ramires told One Sports. “First runner ako kaya sobrang sulit talaga lahat ng pinaghirapan namin sa training.”
Del Prado, who was the second racer for the Philipines, helped give the team some distance against the other nations which ultimately proved to be the difference.
“That's my favorite leg, actually, yung second leg,” said del Prado. “I was happy because when I got the baton, I don't see anyone in front of me tapos I really ran fast so that I can pass the baton first.”
Thailand would slowly make a comeback in the final turns of the race, but Sequita and Williams seemingly pushed themselves to the limit to ensure another gold medal for the Philippines.
“I was in pain but I knew we were too close to the line and I knew Thailand was coming behind me so I was just praying to the Lord that I had enough strength to finish,” said Wiliams.
“I just have them to thank. Without them, we wouldn't have won. It was their attitude and their strength that gave me strength,” he added.
The Philipines previously placed fourth in the 2021 SEA Games, but all their hard work has pulled through in the edition of the games.
“Sobrang pinaghandaan talaga namin yung SEA Games na ito kaya nag-training hard kami para masungkit itong gold para makakuha ng gold medal sa Pilipinas,” said Ramires.