Southeast Asian Games – Badminton – Morodok Techo Badminton Hall, Phnom Penh, Cambodia – May 11, 2023 Philippines’ Eric Shaun Cray in action during the Men’s 400m Hurdles Final REUTERS/Jeremy Lee
PHNOM PENH—Make it six for Eric Cray.
The 34-year-old hurdler sprinted over the last hundred meters and zoomed ahead of the pack to collect his sixth straight gold medal in the men’s 400m hurdles on Thursday at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
Cray stretched his mastery of the event, where the 34-year-old likewise holds the SEA Games record, in 50.03 seconds.
“It’s my sixth and it means everything. All the hard work, the dedication, the injuries, everything I’ve been through,’’ said Cray, who flashed his six fingers and yelled “Jordan,’’ referring to the six NBA titles of the Chicago Bulls superstar.
Natthaphon checked in after Cray in 50.073 seconds followed by Singapore’s Calvin Quek, who pocketed the bronze medal in 50.75.
“You know the perseverance that I have, the drive and dedication for two years and the ups and downs. It’s hard, but God is on my side the whole way. I’m so happy to keep going,’’ said Cray.
He rewarded the Philippine track and field team with a third gold medal after EJ Obiena’s three-peat in men’s pole vault and the victory of Janry Ubas in long jump.
