Justin Kobe Macario thrives in solo act for PH’s maiden gold in 2025 SEA Games

CHONBURI, Thailand – Taekwondo jin Justin Kobe Macario stepped out of his comfort zone and finally hit the golden jackpot in the Southeast Asian Games.

Macario, who hails from Baguio, captured the Philippines’ first gold medal in this edition as he topped the men’s individual freestyle poomsae at the Fashion Island Shopping Mall in Bangkok on Wednesday, December 10.

It is the first SEA Games title for the UST standout, who fell short of the top prize when he and the mixed freestyle poomsae team settled for silver in 2021 Vietnam and bronze in 2023 Cambodia.

“When our lineup was first announced, I was kind of nervous because I competed as part of the team in the past SEA Games. I just grabbed this opportunity to represent our country,” said Macario in Filipino.

Macario did just enough to guarantee the Philippines a smashing start in these Games being hosted by Thailand for the seventh time as he netted 8.2 points to beat home bet Archariya Koedkaew by a whisker.

Koedkaew wound up with silver with 8.1 points, while Malaysia’s Ken Haw Chin bagged bronze with 7.74 points.

“I was surprised when I found out I won the first gold of the Philippines and I’m really happy because it is an honor to bring home a gold for the country,” said Macario.

Performing solo provided a distinct challenge for Macario, but he embraced the moment.

“It feels different when you’re on the court and you see your teammates with you. Earlier, I was on my own. But I put it in my mind that this is not just for myself, it is also for the country and the people who support us,” he said.

Macario is coached by Rani Ortega and Jeordan Dominguez, who was the last Filipino to top the event in the 2019 edition held at home. – Rappler.com