SEA Games: ‘Stand-in’ Ferrera nails hammer throw bronze

KUALA LUMPUR—Former champion Arniel Ferrera nailed a bronze medal in men’s hammer throw amid a very tough field that saw the winner posting a new Southeast Asian Games record Wednesday here at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

A last-minute stand-in for original bet Caleb Stuart, Ferrera heaved 55.94 meters on his sixth attempt to secure a place on the podium.

Malaysia’s Wong Siew Cheer launched a throw of 65.90m, which shattered the 65.63-m meet record of the Filipino-American Stuart, who ruled the meet two years ago in Singapore.

Thailand’s Kittipong Boonmawan posted 65.49m to take the silver medal.

The 36-year-old Ferreira, who won the SEAG gold in the event in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, has been serving as coach for national team.

He said he had no choice but fill in for Caleb, who reportedly got a job back in the United States.

Caleb reportedly got a call from the athletics body to play in the national open, but he didn’t respond.