Bangkok: Justin Kobe Macario delivered the first gold for the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games, triumphing in the men's individual freestyle poomsae event of taekwondo at the Fashion Island Shopping Mall.

According to Philippines News Agency, Macario, 23, scored 8.200 points, surpassing five other competitors. "Nagulat din po ako na ako po 'yung unang gold (winner) ng Pilipinas. Sobrang saya po dahil isang karangalan po makauwi ng ginto for the country (I was also surprised that I was the first gold winner for the Philippines. I am very happy because it is an honor to bring home gold for the country)," he said. He credited his coaches, Rani Ortega and Jeordan Dominguez, for their preparation and training.

Macario's performance included multiple flips and various kicks, impressing the judges and securing his first individual gold medal in the regional event. He chose to skip the athletes' parade at the opening ceremony to focus on his preparation.

"Kahapon po nag-training kami four times bago sumalang dito and sinacrifice na namin po na hindi pumunta sa opening para makapag-prepare ng maayos po (Yesterday, we trained four times before coming here and we sacrificed not going to the opening so we could prepare properly)," said Macario, who previously won a silver and a bronze in the mixed freestyle poomsae event in the 2021 and 2023 SEA Games. He expressed that winning in the regional showcase was a unique experience compared to the Asian and World Championships.

Thailand's Koedkaew Atchariya took the silver with 8.100 points, while Malaysia's Ken Haw Chin secured the bronze with 7.740 points. Macario is set to compete in the mixed team freestyle poomsae event later in the day.

Earlier, John Derrick Farr secured a bronze in the men's downhill mountain bike event in Chonburi, marking the first medal for Team Philippines in this year's regional games.