Former Davao City standout Sonny Wagdos added another medal to his Southeast Asian (SEA) Games collection, claiming bronze in the men’s 5,000-meter run on Saturday night, December 13, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Wagdos, who began his running career as a varsity scholar at the University of Mindanao, crossed the finish line in 14 minutes, 48.01 seconds at the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane, securing third place behind Thailand’s Kieran Tuntivate, who won gold in 14:46.38, and fellow Filipino Yacine Guermali, who took silver in 14:47.33.
Born in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Wagdos has been a consistent podium finisher at the SEA Games. He earned bronze in 2019 in the Philippines, repeated the feat in 2021 in Vietnam, took silver in 2023 in Cambodia, and now adds a bronze in 2025 in Thailand to his tally.
The race unfolded as a tightly packed, tactical contest, with runners pacing each other until the final lap. Wagdos admitted the nerves were there, but he stayed composed.
“Grabe gyud kaayo ang kulba (I was extremely nervous),” Wagdos told SunStar Davao in a Messenger interview, describing the tension as the field remained tightly packed deep into the race. “Nagtapok ra mi hangtod last lap (We were all watching each other and stayed together until the final lap).”
Despite the close finish, Wagdos said he understood the nature of championship racing. His time was off his personal best of 14:34, but strategy took priority over speed.
“Wala ko ka-improve ganiha (I didn’t improve my time)," he said.
The 32-year-old Wagdos also noted the field's quality and youth, calling the competition one of the toughest he has faced.
“Puro gyud mga kusog (Everyone in the field was strong),” he said. “Ako pa gyud ang pinakatiguwang sa line-up (I was actually the oldest in the lineup).”
Wagdos will return to action in the 10,000 meters on Tuesday, December 16, at 7 p.m. Philippine time. While the 5,000 meters remains his main event, he believes another medal is within reach.
“Dili ko kaingon sa 10K (I can’t say for sure about the 10K),” Wagdos added. “Pero murag kaya i-podium (But it looks like a podium finish could be possible)." MLSA