By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Philippines sustained its strong showing in athletics and swimming after a series of podium finishes at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, led by another standout performance from Negrense middle-distance runner Bernalyn Bejoy.

Bejoy once again proved her consistency on the regional stage after claiming the bronze medal in the women’s 800 meters, sharing the podium with compatriot Naomi Marjorie Cesar, who powered her way to the gold.

The Filipina duo’s double-podium finish underscored the Philippines’ growing strength in women’s middle-distance events.

The men’s 800 meters also delivered gold for Team Philippines, as Hussein Loraña dominated the race and crossed the line in one minute and 48.80 seconds, further adding to the country’s rising medal haul in the biennial meet.

In the women’s 400-meter hurdles, the Philippines posted another double-podium effort, with Robyn Brown securing silver after clocking 57.50 seconds, while Lauren Hoffman followed closely for bronze in 57.75.

Vietnam’s Thi Lan Quach captured the gold with a winning time of 56.82 seconds.

The medal surge continued in swimming, where Miranda Cristina Renner contributed a silver medal in the women’s 50-meter butterfly after touching the wall in 26.93 seconds.

With Bejoy’s latest podium finish anchoring a productive day in athletics, Team Philippines continued to build momentum across multiple sports as it bolstered its medal tally at the SEA Games./ASC, WDJ