ERIC SHAUWN CRAY’S 11th-hour decision to run the 400 meters at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Astana on Friday proved costly as the Filipino-American strained his groin and won’t be able to run in the 60 meters.
Cray didn’t finish the 400 meters that was ran on Day 1 of the championships at the Qazaqstan Stadium in the Kazahkstan capital.
The seven-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist was supposed to run the 60 meters only.
“It’s really an unfortunate incident,” said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association Secretary-General Edward Kho. “He’ll now have to focus on Cambodia [32nd Southeast Asian Games in May].”
“The 60 meters is ballistic and he could aggravate his injury,” Kho said. “The doctors advised him to rest for at least two days.”
Kho said Janry Ubas wound up 10th in men’s jump, while heptathlete Sarah Dequinan, triple jumper Harry Diones, high jumper Leonard Gorospe and Filipino-Spanish hurdler John Cabang Tolentino were still competing as of late Friday.
World No. 3 pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena skipped Astana because of logistical issues with his poles as no airline could accommodate the equipment to and from Kazakhstan.