KENT Brian Celeste, a 24-year-old fourth-year Physical Education student of Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF), finished fourth in the men’s high jump finals of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on December 12 at the Suphachalasal Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Competing in his first international meet, Celeste represented the Philippines against nine of Southeast Asia’s top high jumpers and cleared 2.09 meters to place fourth. His teammate, Leonard Grospe, cleared 2.19 meters to win the bronze medal in the same event.

“Competing in my very first SEA Games and finishing fourth is an unforgettable journey. Missing the podium does not take away the courage, discipline, and pride of wearing the national colors. This is just the beginning, onward to greater heights,” Celeste said.

Celeste hails from Barangay Awile in the town of Anda, Pangasinan, and is a member of the Spectrum Runners Philippines team.

Under head coach Sean Guevara, the Philippine athletics team collected a total of seven gold, eight silver, and 21 bronze medals in the biennial meet. (Kim Gealogo)