MANILA, Philippines — LA Tenorio took a long hard look at his gold medal before snapping a picture of himself while biting it.
Throughout his celebrated basketball career, the 35-year-old Tenorio just had his first taste of gold in the Southeast Asian Games after helping the Philippines overpower Thailand, 115-81, Tuesday night.
“Of course I’m just really happy and grateful to receive my first gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in also my first stint here in the SEA Games,” said Tenorio, who, along with fellow first-timer Chris Ross are two of the oldest members on the team.
Sarap maging Pilipino! 🇵🇭🥇 Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumoporta sa aming lahat ng mga Atletang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! #WeWinAsOne #30thSEAGAMES #GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/W4xfhYuJRn
— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) December 10, 2019
“I’m very thankful to be part of this SEA Games. Winning the gold was really the goal since day one when we had our very first practice,” he added.
Tenorio, who capped off his first SEA Games stint with 16 points against Thailand, said he will always be ready to answer the call for flag and country.
“Of course, I’m open [to playing] for as long as I can still play basketball. It’s still different when you’re representing your country but for now, I will enjoy this moment,” the Barangay Ginebra playmaker said.