Eric Cray has secured a spot in the men's 400-meter hurdles at the highly anticipated 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
This was confirmed by Edward Kho, the Secretary General of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) on Sunday, August 6.
Notably, Cray, a decorated athlete with multiple Southeast Asian Games gold medals, accumulated enough points to earn a coveted ticket to the world stage in the men's 400-meter hurdles event.
This marks a significant achievement for the Filipino sports icon as he makes his long-awaited return to the World Championships. Eric last competed in the 2017 edition of World Championships in London, where a false start during the heats led to his disqualification.
The athlete recently secured his eighth gold medal at the Cambodia SEA Games in May.
His performance in Budapest will serve as a crucial stepping stone in his pursuit of a place at the prestigious 2024 Paris Olympics.
Joining the ranks of other qualified Filipino athletes, such as pole vaulter EJ Obiena and female hurdler Robyn Brown.
Cray is determined to build on his recent historic triumph, make his mark on the global stage and bring pride to the Philippines in the upcoming World Athletics Championships scheduled on August 20.
