From varying backgrounds, PHL women's obstacle team comes together to achieve common goal — SEAG gold

PHNOM PENH — The Philippines imposed its dominance in the obstacle course race in the 32nd SEA Games, reigning supreme in all four events to complete a four-gold sweep on Sunday.

Both the men's and women's team copped the gold in the relay event while Julius Rodelas and Precious Cabuya started it off on Saturday when the two ruled the men's and women's individual event, respectively.

Highlighting the sweep was the women's team's scorching clutch run to the gold as Mecca Cortizano rallied her team, which was initially trailing the Indonesians in the race. They finished off the run in 33.73 seconds.

Here’s the clutch performance from the women’s team! The quartet of Mhick Tejares, Sandi Abahan, Tess Nocyao and Mecca Cortizano was initially trailing but still pulled off the win @gmasportsph #SEAGames2023 pic.twitter.com/KizYmMljgz

— Bea Micaller (@beamicallerrr) May 7, 2023

"Yes, pero I tried to focus talaga para magawa ko 'yung best ko lalo na doon sa wave wall kasi sobrang dulas niya, doon ko talaga nahabol," Cortizano said.

("Yes, but I tried to really focus so I could the best, especially at the wave wall because it was very slippery. That's where I gained ground.")

The quintet shared they actually came from different sporting backgrounds, but they were able to come together with the same goal in mind — winning for the country.

Sandi Abahan was originally an ultra runner while Tess Nocyao was a short runner. Cortizano and Mhick Tejares were part of a ninja team from the beginning.

The team also had a little preparation time as they only convened as a team for six months to gear up for the biennial meet.

"Earlier sa run namin, inisip lang namin na para sa bayan at para sa pamilya natin," Nocyao shared.

("Earlier in our run, we put it in our heads that this was for the country and four our families.")

—JMB, GMA Integrated News