SEVENTEEN-year-old Eric Joachim Hechanova of Lingayen brought pride to the country after clinching the gold medal in the U18 Boys 3000-meter run in the 17th Southeast Asian Youth Athletics Championships held November 15–18, 2025, in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

The young runner from Barangay Baay made history in his first international outing, securing the Philippines’ seventh gold in the regional meet.

Hechanova turned in a commanding performance, clocking 9:06.35 to outrun Indonesians Sultan Hasibuan (9:17.60) and Fikar Giroth (9:26.58), who settled for silver and bronze.

A Grade 12 student of Pangasinan National High School, Hechanova trains under national coaches Roselyn Hamero, Junrey Bano, and Sean Guevarra.

The Philippine Athletics Team finished third overall with 11 gold medals, four silver, and one bronze. (Kim Gealogo)