By Erwin Wong/Red Sports and Les Tan/Red Sports

sea games

James Wong lets out a primal scream after his fourth throw which eventually wins him the gold. His throw of 51.32m ensured his 10th SEA Games gold. (Photo 1 by Matt King/Getty Images)

Palembang, Saturday, November 12, 2011 — James Wong, 42, won gold in the discus final at the 26th South-east Asian (SEA) Games. James threw a distance of 51.32m to capture his 10th SEA Games gold. He has nine discus gold medals and one hammer gold.

“I feel very relieved and excited because it was my main mission to come to the SEA Games to defend my title and win my last gold medal,” said James.

Hermanto, 24, of Indonesia won the silver with a 50.56m effort while Thailand’s Kvanchai Numsomboon, 30, was third with a 50.28m throw.

In a field of five, James found himself trailing after his first throw of 49.64m when the Thai, Kvanchai, did better with a 50.28m.

Then James found himself in a bit of a hole psychologically when he faulted on his next two efforts. However, the big man let out a primal scream with his fourth effort, hitting 51.32m, which proved enough. Kvanchai never bettered his first throw after that.

An emotional James broke down while being interviewed as he paid tribute to his wife Jana Lauren for her support. He also said that this will be his last SEA Games, 18 years after his first win.

Acting sports minister Chan Chun Seng, who was in Palembang for the opening ceremony, noted that James stood in the rain the night before his feat.

“Congrats to James Wong for winning [his] 10th SEA Games gold medal. [You are] a legend! It may not occur to many that James was our flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony, standing in the rain, flying our flag till almost midnight before he returned for a rest. Then he is up bright and early to bring home SG’s 26th first SEA Games gold. Salute to you, James!” wrote the minister on his Facebook page.

James came out of retirement to win the discus gold in the 2009 Laos SEA Games but he said that this will be his final SEA Games. He added that he will still take part in national meets in Singapore.

Video courtesy of Singapore Athletic Association

sea games

James Wong winds up an attempt in the discus. He defaulted on his second and third attempts before eventually throwing 51.32m for his fourth attempt. He did not beat that distance in his final two throws but it was enough to win gold. (Photo 2 by Matt King/Getty Images)