SEA Games 2023: Rain-sodden Cambodian badly loses 5,000m race, but wins hearts
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Cambodia's Bou Samnang completing the women's 5,000m in torrential rain nearly six minutes after the winner finished her race.
PHOTO: REUTERS
PHNOM PENH – A Cambodian athlete won a special place in her compatriots’ affections after persevering to complete the women’s 5,000m in torrential rain at the SEA Games on Wednesday, despite the winner having finished nearly six minutes earlier.
When Bou Samnang made it over the line, she broke down in tears, joining her palms in thanks to her supporters.
The winner, Vietnamese athletics star Nguyen Thi Oanh, had already finished the race, 5min 54sec earlier.
The second-last placed competitor, Run Romdul, was also from Cambodia, which is hosting the Games in the capital Phnom Penh.
Bou Samnang’s spirited effort also captured the heart of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who awarded her US$10,000 (S$13,200) – the average worker in Cambodia earns about US$10 a day.
The Cambodian leader said he was rewarding Bou Samnang to “encourage perseverance”.
Meanwhile, Facebook user Mao Vanthan wrote: “Although you lost, you won the hearts of Cambodia.”
Another user, Chanphal Ngy, was equally effusive: “We dropped tears with you... You will be successful in life as your wishes.”
“Your resilience is a true inspiration to us,” chimed in Kong Dara.
“Your commitment to pushing through the challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and never giving up on yourself is a testament to your strength and character.
“You may not have won the race, but you have won our admiration and respect for your unwavering spirit.”
She also won a US$250 (S$330) bonus from Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, according to a ministry official.
Separately, pole vault star Ernest Obiena will auction off his gold medal-winning spikes to raise money for children back home in the Philippines who practise in a sawdust pit.
World No. 3 Obiena took his third consecutive SEA Games gold on Monday.
Clearing 5.65m, he broke his own Games record.
Afterwards, the Paris Olympics-bound 27-year-old told reporters he had seen a video of a child pole vaulter in the Philippines using sawdust to land in.
“Anyone who’s listening: it’s up for grabs,” he said, brandishing the pink-and-orange sports shoes.
“All proceeds will go to buying a new pole vault pit or a second-hand pole vault pit,” he added. AFP
