SEA Games: Aries Toledo shrugs off hamstring woes for decathlon gold

Aries Toledo of the Philippines wins gold for men’s decathlon at the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Clark City. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

NEW CLARK CITY — For the past two editions, Aries Toledo earned the tag as “the toughest” athlete in the Southeast Asian Games.

On Tuesday evening, he proved that he’s also the bravest.

Despite suffering hamstring injury just 10 days ago, Toledo retained the men’s decathlon crown with seeming ease.

The 25-year-old from Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, needed only to place third in the 1,500-meter run — the culminating event in the 10-event discipline — to cart away the country’s 11th gold medal in athletics.

He collected 7,033 points beating Vietnam’s Van Suu Vuy (6,911) who in the 1,500m event pulled way ahead to snag the silver.

Filipino Janry Ubas was running second before the last event but was left behind by almost one minute.

Mark Harry Diones and Joida Gagnao salvaged silvers in men’s triple jump and women’s 3,000m steeplechase.

The Philippines also picked up bronzes in the men’s and women’s 4X400m relays.