PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The national squad braces for more gold medals entering the final stretch of the athletics competition of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Edward Kho told Daily Tribune that the level of competition had increased, making it more challenging for them to dominate in the ongoing biennial meet at the Morodok Techo National Stadium here.

So far, only pole vaulter EJ Obiena, long jumper Janry Ubas and hurdler Eric Cray have emerged victorious, prompting the country to register three gold medals in the midway mark of competition.

It is quite far below their performance in the 2019 SEA Games in Clark in which they collected 11 golds as well as in the 2022 meet with five golds.

'Definitely the level of competition in Southeast Asia has really risen. We have surprise silver medalists who were never expected to be medal contenders.'

Still, Kho remains optimistic, especially after Cray delivered the country's 27th gold medal in his pet event — the men's 400-meter hurdles.

"Definitely the level of competition in Southeast Asia has really risen. We have surprise silver medalists who were never expected to be medal contenders," Kho said.

"We're still hoping for more gold medals from some of our remaining athletes. We'll never know."

Aside from Obiena, Cray and Ubas, who also chipped in a silver in decathlon, other athletes who contributed to the country's medal production are Umajesty Williams (400m), Joida Gagano (3000m steeplechase), Sonny Wagdos (5000m), Allan Arbois (marathon) and Robyn Brown (400m hurdles) who picked up silver medals.

Meanwhile, Natalie Uy (pole vault), Christine Hallasgo (marathon), Frederick Ramirez (400m), John Cabang (110m hurdles), Aries Toledo (decathlon) and the mixed 4x400m relay team of Ramirez, Williams, Joyme Sequita and Michael del Prado snagged bronze medal.

At press time, Thailand leads the pack in the seven-nation athletics tournament with a 12-4-2 medal haul while last year's SEA Games host Vietnam is at second with a 7-16-6 haul.