Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison of the Philippines battles Ardian Prayogo Dinggo of Indonesia in the finals of the men’s -74kg of the 29th Southeast Asian Games taekwondo competition. Morrisson prevailed to win the gold medal. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES MEDIA POOL
KUALA LUMPUR — Samuel Morrison knew that he could be fighting in his last Southeast Asian Games of his career.
That’s why he was overcome with emotions after capturing the gold medal in the -74-kilogram division.
READ: Emotional Morrison wins gold in taekwondo, avenges teammate’s loss
“I made a promise to my grandmother to win,” said Morrison, 27.
His maternal grandmother died during the time he was trying to qualify for the Rio Olympics last year. He didn’t make it to the Games.
“That’s why I went to her grave before I flew here,” said Morrison, who was born in Olongapo to an American serviceman and Filipino mother.
His family migrated to Maryland but transferred to the Philippines for good when he was seven.
The 2015 SEA Games gold medalist in featherweight graduated from the University of Santo Tomas.
He was also a bronze medalist in the Incheon Asian Games in 2014.
“I’m already 27 now, so if I can still can I will still fight in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila,” said the 6-foot-1 Morrison.