He was the last addition to the Philippines’ athletic delegation and for that, not much was expected from Dabawenyo long distance ace Sonny Wagdos.
In his first stint as a national team member, the 26-year old Philippine Air Force personnel simply downplayed his chances in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. He knows the stage is big and the competition tough. Nevertheless, he kept a burning desire to make good in his debut deep inside.
On Monday morning, the sun finally shone on Sonny. The doubts turned into celebration as Wagdos snagged the bronze medal in the gruelling men’s 5,000-meter event held in New Clark City Sports Complex.
Wagdos, a former standout of the University of Mindanao, crossed the finish line at 14:34.73 to deliver the first medal for the country in Day 3 of athletics.
Wagdos checked in behind Kieran Tuntivate of Thailand (14:31.15), and Van Lai Nguyen of Vietnam (14:32.42), who bagged the gold and silver medals, respectively.
In an earlier talk with Wagdos, he shared he had lack of preparation for the biennial meet as he made it to the final line up in the minute.
“Medyo kulang jud akong preparation sir, kay tungod last minute naman ko nakuha gud, so bali one month ra jud,” the former BIMP-Eaga Friendship Games gold medalist said.
He didn’t even guarantee any medal.
But winning a bronze despite the unforgiving circumstances could already attest that he is international class now.
