Sonny Wagdos of the Philippines competes in the men's 5000-m final in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. POC Media/File
NAGOYA — Sonny Wagdos, the Philippine record-holder in marathon, has withdrawn from the event in the 2026 Asian Games due to high fever.
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco confirmed the development to ABS-CBN News.
"Before siya dumating dito, may sakit na siya and on-and-off yung lagnat niya dahil weather conditions both Philippines and Japan. Napacheck na naman namin and naka antibiotics na din siya," Tanhueco said in a message.
"He's feeling better now, but we consulted with Sonny and Coach Vertek. Siyempre, priority natin yung well-being ng athlete. Marathon yun and hindi biro, especially given his condition now," he added.
The PATAFA official said Wagdos still has another event, which he will focus on recovering so he can compete.
"Dalawa naman yung events niya, Marathon and 5,000m on the last day, so magfo-focus sila 5,000m. Lalaban siya para sa bayan!" Tanhueco said.
Wagdos had placed third in the men's 5000-m in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok in December, behind Filipino-Moroccan Yacine Guermali.
READ: Guermali, Wagdos take silver and bronze in men's 5000-m
Wagdos shared on his social media that he has been dealing with high fever.
"I don't know why, maybe it's hard to adapt to the weather, from cold to hot. Sayang talaga preparation namin," he said.
The 32-year-old Philippine Air Force sergeant made history earlier this year at the Tokyo Marathon, where he clocked 2:14:32 to break the 22-year-old Philippine marathon record previously held by his coach, two-time Olympian Eduardo ‘Vertek' Buenavista.
The PATAFA official expressed optimism for another Filipino marathoner Richard Salaño, who will represent the country in the same event.
"May isa pa naman tayo marathoner na malakas rin, si Richard Salano," Tanhueco said.
The men's marathon final is set for September 26, while the men's 5000m final is on September 29 both at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.