![Athletics events contributed the most gold medals for the Philippines, highlighting young para-athletes. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Para-Athletics-Medallist-and-Coaches-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines delivered its best-ever performance at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, capturing 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 52 bronze medals, fueled by young para-athletes and standout performances in athletics, swimming, and chess.
![Yacine Guermali crosses the finish line to claim silver in the men’s 5000m. [POC Media Pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Yacine-Guermali_Silver-5000m-Men-6607-400x200.jpg)
Filipino athletes secured multiple podium finishes in athletics at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, highlighted by Yacine Guermali and Sonny Wagdos in the men’s 5000m, and several other medal-winning performances across track and field events.
![Charlie Ratcliff celebrates after winning gold in girls’ MMA at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. [POC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Mixed-Martial-Arts-Charlie-Ratcliff-wins-Gold-in-the-Girls-45kg-Modern-MMA-Finals-03-400x200.jpg)
Charlie Ratcliff’s quick finish in Bahrain gave the Philippines its second gold medal at the Asian Youth Games, highlighting the team’s growing momentum across multiple sports.
As a former Math and Science teacher, Dan Pfaff dealt and taught an abundance of analysis, science, and critical thinking which carried over to almost 50 years of coaching in athletics, specifically track and field.