Keon: Don’t overestimate your chances

While some NSAs may have underestimated their potential in winning the gold, there are some who may have overestimated theirs.

"Honestly speaking, some of these NSAs have overestimated their prognosis," said Mike Keon, former president of the Philippine Olympic Committee and director of Project Gintong Alay.

Now the training director of the RP athletes to the forthcoming SEA Games, Keon had the inside track in monitoring their training here and abroad as they gear up for the biennial event which the country is hosting Nov. 27 to Dec. 5.

He cited athletics as one of the NSAs (national sports associations) that may have overestimated their chances in the SEA Games.

"The NSAs have the prerogative to make their own assessment. But I think athletics should be lucky to win 10 gold medals. Or eight or seven," said Keon.

Athletics president Go Teng Kok said his athletes can easily surpass the eight gold medals they won two years ago in Vietnam. In fact, he said they could win as many as 15.

"Fifteen is not a reasonable assessment. Track and field is very close to my heart and I want them to do their best. But there have been some problems in training – like injuries," he said.

"Again, track and field is close to my heart. Track and field will do well. It is the most exposed NSA. It had the most overseas exposure this year. They competed overseas 14 times," said Keon.

Boxing is the next most traveled NSA this year with nine foreign exposures, followed by golf with eight and lawn tennis with seven. Keon said RP athletes from 36 sports competed in a total 121 foreign tournaments since February and spent a total of P83.5 million for this.

Asked which sport he expects to deliver the most number of gold medals for the country, Keon had a ready answer.

"I believe wushu is capable of winning the most. Don’t ask me how many but I believe wushu has a very strong chance. Then there’s fencing, wrestling or even boxing. I can go down the list and say yes. Everybody will contribute," he said.

Keon, however, said he expects the Philippines to win from 92 to 128 gold medals and therefore be in the race for the overall title.