Kobe Macario kick-started the Philippines’ campaign at the 33rd SEA Games with a gold medal in the men’s poomsae freestyle individual event on Wednesday at Fashion Island Mall in Bangkok, Thailand.
The former University of Santo Tomas student-athlete scored 8.200 points, narrowly edging out Thailand’s Koedkaew Atchariya, who finished with 8.100 points, to reclaim the title.
Macario’s current coach, Joerdan Dominguez, had won gold in the same event during the 2019 edition held in the Philippines, but Thailand took the top spot in 2023 in Cambodia with Jiraphong Khetlak.
“Sobrang saya and thankful po kay Lord. Sobrang saya na ako po ‘yung unang nakapagbigay ng unang gold sa Pilipinas,” Macario said.
“Nahirapan po kasi kalaban po ‘yung host country, kasi dito po sa Thailand malakas rin po ‘yung players nila. Pero tiwala lang po sa pinag-ensayo and binigay ko lang po ang lahat,” added the long-time national team standout.
Malaysia’s Ken Haw and Singapore’s Zong Han Darren Yap claimed the bronze medals with scores of 7.740 and 7.660, respectively.
Macario will aim for another gold in the mixed team freestyle event later in the afternoon.
