Peter Groseclose cemented his status as one of the region’s top talents and a rising star in short track speed skating by claiming two individual medals, including gold in the men’s 500 meters, on Friday at the IWIS International Ice Skating Training Center in Samut Prakan, Thailand.
Groseclose led the pack through the first three laps before facing a late challenge from Singapore’s Ryo Yik Ong. The 18-year-old upstart, however, held on to finish first with a time of 42.478 seconds, ahead of Ong’s 43.592.
“I’m very happy; I’m proud. This is my first SEA Games, so I’m proud I can represent the Philippines well, and like, I’m very happy with the result,” said Groseclose.
Indonesia’s Jeremia Wihardja claimed the bronze with 43.414 seconds.
(C) POC Media
Earlier in the day, Groseclose also took silver in the 1,500 meters with a time of 2:26.207, just behind Thailand’s Chonlachart Taprom, who finished in 2:25.800, making him one of the country’s multi-medallists in these Games.
The 2024 Winter Youth Olympian had been on track for gold in the 1,500 meters but was overtaken in the final lap by Taprom — a near-miss that fueled his determination in the sprint race.
“It was definitely motivation. I really wanted the 15(00) to go better. Obviously, silver is not terrible, but it was really a motivation to persevere and make sure this last race (the 500 meters) was a good one,” he shared.
Groseclose’s season began with a major boost when he received an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship from the International Olympic Committee. He then won gold in the 1,500 meters at the Desert Classic in Utah last August.
He completed the medal haul as he, Hans Bermio, Sun Phil Zablan, and Jahn Cyruz Asuncion took bronze in the men’s 5,000-meter relay with a time of 7:59.189.
Meanwhile, the women’s quartet of Shaelynn Bolos, Ethel Mae Suguitan, Xsandrie Gumba, and Renee Benitez also claimed bronze in the 3,000-meter relay.
