Kayla is fastest woman
HANOI, Vietnam — Kayla Richardson blew past the opposition in the 100-meter run Wednesday to become the region’s fastest woman in the 31st Southeast Asian Games at My Dinh Stadium. Richardson, 24, whose grandparents are from Zamboanga, clocked 11.60 seconds to deliver track and field’s fifth gold, besting Singaporean Veronica Shanti (11.62) and Thai Poolkerd Supanich (11.66).
“I can’t complain and so grateful. Thank God for taking me here,” Richardson, who celebrated with his father and twin sister Kyla moments after her latest conquest.
Richardson, who lives in Walnut, California, had a terrific feeling during the race.
“I was pretty confident and told myself that if I can stay with them, then I can make my move because I am not a good starter.”
Richardson did make her move as the cast of racers zoomed towards the finish line.
“It was amazing and my grateful for my support system, my old sister and I feel blessed.”
Other track and field gold medalists include pole vaulter EJ Obiena, hurdlers Eric Cray (400) and Clinton Bautista (110) and shot putter Willie Morrison.
It was Kaya’s second medal after taking the bronze in the 200 where her twin Kyla got the silver behind Shanti.
Richardson’s triumph saved the day for athletics as Evelyn Barba just placed third in the women’s javelin.
Cray was supposed to run the 100 in a bid to win his second gold after topping the 400 hurdles on Monday but he pulled out owing to an injury.
Anfernee Lopena instead ran for the Philippines but he finished dead last.