Philippines proves Olympic might in SEA Games campaign

The Philippines may have settled for sixth overall at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, but its performance in Olympic disciplines told a far brighter story, outshining most of its neighbors and even topping host Thailand percentage-wise in the sports played on the global stage.

While critics point to the overall medal tally as a measure of failure, a closer look reveals a different picture. Seventy percent of Team Philippines’ 50 gold medals came from Olympic sports, tying Singapore for the highest percentage among the 11 competing nations, according to vnexpress.net, a Vietnamese online newspaper.

Singapore finished fifth overall with 52 golds, 61 silvers, and 87 bronzes, including 20 in aquatics—an Olympic centerpiece. The Philippines, meanwhile, excelled across a wide range of disciplines, from athletics (5 golds) and swimming (3) to gymnastics (3), triathlon (3), and modern pentathlon (3).

Boxing, traditionally a Filipino stronghold, proved contentious. Eumir Marcial delivered the country’s lone gold, while Thailand swept 14 of 17 categories. Observers argue that questionable officiating cost the Philippines three to four additional titles.

Beyond boxing, the Philippines secured breakthrough victories in women’s football, men’s baseball, tennis, and beach volleyball. Other Olympic sports bolstered the tally: basketball (2), judo (2), skateboarding (2), softball (2), taekwondo (2), rowing (1), sailing (1), short-track speed skating (1), weightlifting (1), and wrestling (1).

Given the chance to compete in every men’s artistic gymnastics six apparatus and all-around event, Carlos Yulo might have added four to five more golds to the Philippines’ tally, including the men’s team title.

The nation’s two-time Olympic gold medalist sat out the SEA Games after the host restricted gymnasts to just one apparatus.

By percentage, Indonesia followed the Philippines and Singapore with just under 65 percent of its golds from Olympic sports, trailed by Thailand (64 percent), Malaysia (57 percent), and Vietnam (51.85 percent).

Thailand, as host, dominated the overall standings with 233 golds, 154 silvers, and 113 bronzes. Indonesia placed second (91-112-130), Vietnam third (87-81-110), and Malaysia fourth (57-57-117).

Yet the Philippines’ Olympic-focused success underscores its potential to shine brighter on the world stage, particularly as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw nearer. (PSC-MCO)

Photo source: VnExpress International