“Worst SEA Games I’ve ever been to” – Filipino shot put athlete blasts SEA Games officiating and logistics

Filipino thrower William Morrison III voiced strong criticism of officiating at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Sunday, calling the level of officiating and event management in the event “the worst he has experienced.”

Morrison, who secured the bronze medal in the men’s shot put with a throw of 16.66 meters, expressed frustration over what he described as inconsistent and questionable judging throughout the competition.

“Man, lots of issues, man. They’re saying that my shot put didn’t weigh in,” Morrison said, disputing claims that his equipment did not meet competition standards. “This is the only place my shot put hasn’t weighed in.”

“If you spin it on the ground, you can see there’s no balance. It won’t even stay still when you try to balance it. And they’re brand new! Who’s going to throw with a brand new shot put?” he added.

The veteran thrower, whose personal best stands at 18.14 meters set in 2021, said the situation was unprecedented in his international career. 

“I’ve used that shot put at the Asian Games, Asian Championships, in the States, in Canada, Japan, everywhere I’ve used it. It’s never been lightweight. And all of a sudden here, it’s lightweight,” he said.”

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“I LOVE THEM. I LOVE THIS TEAM. I LOVE MY COUNTRY.”

William Morrison turns emotional as his team continues to cheer on him and give him support despite his bronze finish at the SEA Games 2025 Thailand shot put event. | via Bea Escudero/Cignal#SEAGames33 #SEAGamesThailand pic.twitter.com/FOegmFWz9g

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 13, 2025

Morrison also lamented delays and stoppages during competition, which he said disrupted his rhythm and focus, citing instances when officials paused events for issues he considered trivial.

 “And then I’m throwing, and they’re going to stop me in the middle of my throw? Like, why would they do that?” said Morrison.

“Just the fact that they talk to me between every single throw and stop me mid-throw… this is dog sh*t. Worst SEA Games I’ve ever been to,” he added.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the officiating concerns raised by Morrison.

Despite his frustrations, Morrison stood on the podium, though his SEA Games record, set in previous editions, was eclipsed by Malaysia’s Jonah Chang Rigan, who captured gold.

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