PH finishes 6th place in SEA Games 2015 overall ranking

The 28th SEA Games closing ceremony (Photo from SEA Games 2015 website)

Since 2005, the Philippines had not been able to top the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games overall rankings. Landing the 6th spot in this year’s games, the country seemed to continue with its average medal standings.

The Philippines had been able to take home 113 gold medals in 2005, 41 golds in 2007, 38 golds in 2009, 36 golds in 2011, and 29 golds in 2013. This year, the country bagged only 29 golds, same as the preceding season and the lowest number of golds so far.

This was a bit of a disappointment to chief of mission Julian Camacho as he projected 50 golds and a top 5 finish in the 2015 SEA Games.

“There were gold medals that simply slipped away from us,” Camacho said, referring to the near-missed gold medals in several sports.

Archery, rowing, swimming, track and field and traditional boat race had not won a single gold.

But not putting the blame on the athletes, Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia vowed to help hone the skills of coaches and athletes alike.

Garcia aimed for a stronger and more competent Philippine team in the next SEA Games.