Mark Julius Rodelas of the Philippines celebrates after winning the mens individual obstacle race final during the 32nd South-East Asian Games at the Chroy Changvar convention center in Phnom Penh on Sunday, May 6, 2023. - AFP
The Philippines is a veritable powerhouse in the relatively obscure sport, which is almost unique to the SEA Games and was first introduced when the nation hosted in 2019. The event is something like a cross between athletics and the final round of a particularly physical TV game show. On the first day of full schedules in Phnom Penh, the Philippines took gold and silver in the women's final, winner Precious Caluya embracing defeated finalist Kaizen Dela Cerna on the final platform, before the pair waved the national flag together.