John Ivan Cruz of the Philippines captured the vault apparatus gold medal in men’s artistic gymnastics at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games Friday at Thammasat University Rangsit Campus Gymnasium 5 in Pathum Thani. Initially awarded silver, Cruz and his team successfully protested the result, allowing him to share the top spot with Malaysian Muhammad Sharul Aimy, both scoring an average of 13.833 points.

Home gymnast Tikumporn Surintorta claimed the bronze with 13.717 points. Cruz expressed gratitude for the chance to correct the judges’ decision, explaining that a review process made it possible to adjust the outcome in his favor.

Cruz motivated by missed floor exercise final

Cruz, 24, said missing the floor exercise final and failing to defend his title fueled his determination on vault. “I focused properly and rested well to make the most of this opportunity,” he said. He noted that he observed a discrepancy in the deductions of his first vault, prompting his team to request a review that ultimately reversed the initial result.

The gymnast described the process, highlighting the option to appeal if results appear biased. “You can demand or complain to the judges, and they can review and change the result if warranted,” Cruz explained. The incident motivated him to perform with extra precision, ensuring a gold medal finish.

Aleah Finnegan adds to personal medal haul

Meanwhile, Paris Olympian Aleah Finnegan increased her medal tally at the Games to two, capturing bronze in the balance beam with 12.467 points. Finnegan had won gold in the vault apparatus on Thursday, also after a review that upgraded her from an initial silver medal.

Her performance demonstrates the Philippines’ strength in artistic gymnastics and highlights the role of reviews in ensuring fair competition. Cruz and Finnegan’s victories provide momentum for the Philippine gymnastics team as the 2025 SEA Games progress.