SPORTS COLUMN

Philippine Team Wins by a Heart

Computer System Servicing | Sports Writer

In the 2023 Southeast Asian Games held in Phnom Penh, the Philippine quartet of Frederick Ramirez, Umajesty Williams, Joyme Sequita, and Michael Carlo del Prado delivered a performance built on trust and teamwork. Inside the Morodok Techo National Stadium, they ran not just as four fast athletes, but as one solid unit.

Each runner had a role. Ramirez set the tone with a strong start, making sure the team stayed within striking distance. Williams kept the rhythm steady on the second leg, refusing to let the gap widen. Sequita pushed hard on the third leg, preparing the way for the anchor. Then came Del Prado, who carried both the baton and his family legacy. As the son of former track great Isidro del Prado Sr., and younger brother of relay champion Isidro del Prado Jr., he knew what this moment meant.

The race ended in a dramatic photo finish. The Philippines clocked 3:07.22, edging Thailand by just one hundredth of a second. It was a victory measured in heartbeats. But behind that tiny margin was years of training together, learning each other’s pace, and perfecting every baton exchange.

Their gold medal ended a ten year drought for the country in the event since the triumph at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games. After settling for silver and bronze in the following editions, and even missing the podium once, the team finally brought the crown back home.

Their win also completed a strong athletics campaign for the Philippines, joining the gold medal efforts of EJ Obiena in pole vault, Eric Cray in the 400 meter hurdles, and Janry Ubas in long jump.

More than the medals, this relay team showed the true meaning of teamwork. In a relay, no one wins alone. Every stride, every pass, and every second counts. Ramirez, Williams, Sequita, and Del Prado proved that when four athletes trust each other completely, they can outrun doubt and reclaim glory for their country.