Philippines sets new gold medal record in Arafura Games

Philippine delegation in the Arafura Games. Photo from Team Phil – Arafura Games Facebook.

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine delegation collected 10 more gold medals Monday to eclipse its golden haul in the previous edition of the Arafura Games.

The Filipino athletes now have 28 gold medals after the third day of competitions which is one more than the last time the games were held eight years ago.

The latest to banner the country’s campaign were swimmers Zoe Marie Hilario, Ivo Nikolai Enot, John Paul Elises, Samuel Alcos and Yarra’s Ray Martin John Martin, who all took home gold medals in record-setting fashion.

Hilario, actually, bagged two golds highlighted by her record finish in the 15 to 16-year-old 200m backstroke where she clocked two minutes and 30.63 seconds.

In athletics, Romel Bautista won the men’s 400m hurdles, while the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay captured the gold.

Boxing starts Wednesday at Darwin Convention Centre where Ariel Lampacan will also compete in Muay while the basketball team goes up against New Caledonia at Marrara Indoor Stadium.