Teen titans shine at SEA Games 2025

December 28 ------ The Philippines may have fallen short of surpassing its 58-gold medal haul from Cambodia in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, but the 33rd edition in Thailand still offered shining moments that give Philippine sports fans plenty to look forward to.

Among the most exciting developments was the emergence of young Filipinas who thrived under the bright lights of Southeast Asia’s premier sporting stage. By winning gold in their respective events, they gave a glimpse of the country’s future potential in international competitions.

It is no longer surprising that Mazel Paris Alegado continues to set records as the youngest to achieve remarkable feats. At just 9 years old, she competed in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, making her not only the youngest Filipino but also the youngest participant in the entire competition, where she finished 7th in the women’s park finals. At this year’s SEA Games, Alegado bested fellow 11-year-old Elizabeth Amador in the women’s park finals, becoming the youngest Filipino gold medalist of the games.

The SEA Games hold a special place in Naomi Cesar’s heart. Her father, Ben, represented the Philippines in athletics in the 1990s, while her older sister Malea played a crucial role in the Filipinas’ historic women’s football title run. Naomi made history herself by becoming the youngest Filipino to win a SEA Games gold medal in athletics, outrunning defending champion Nguyen Thi Thu Ha to claim the women’s 800 meters. Last October, she also won silver at the Asian Youth Games.

Source: tiebreakertimes.com.ph