Agatha Wong shifts focus to med school after Asian Games swan song

FORM. The Philippines' Agatha Chrystenzen Wong in action in the women's wushu taijiquan and taijijian event in the 2026 Asian Games.

Issei Kato/REUTERS

Filipina wushu standout Agatha Wong delivers her Asian Games swan song, finishing 10th in the women's taijiquan and taijijian event

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina wushu star Agatha Wong turns her attention to her other calling after seeing action at the Asian Games for the last time.

Wong delivered her Asian Games swan song, finishing 10th overall in the women’s taijiquan and taijijian event at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall in Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, September 20.

The 28-year-old stayed within reach of a podium finish after placing seventh in the taijiquan portion with 9.703 points before she bid her medal hopes goodbye as she landed 11th in the taijijian segment with 9.156 points for a total of 18.859. 

China’s Tong Xin defended her throne with 19.553 points, Japan’s Shiho Saito (19.473) claimed silver, while Brunei’s Basma Lachkar and Singapore’s Zeanne Law tied for the bronze with identical 19.443 marks. 

Although it was Wong’s lowest finish at the Asian Games after she won bronze in 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and placed fifth in 2023 in Hangzhou, China, she remained proud of her effort. 

“I think I could have done better but that’s how it is. I’m really happy that I did well in the first event. In the second event, I know that I did my best so that’s enough for me,” Wong told reporters in mix of Filipino and English. 

Wong, a champion in the last five Southeast Asian Games as well as a silver and bronze medalist in the World Wushu Championships, earlier told Asian Games broadcaster Cignal that she will not be around for the next edition of the continental showpiece.

That may have something to do with her aspirations of becoming a doctor, as Wong has a lot of catching up to do with her studies at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center.

Wong, who started medical school in 2023, is now in her third year.

“I have to study already so I’m going to go back,” said Wong. “I’ll still continue training. I have competitions for next year so that’s going to be fun. But I’m already done for this year.” – Rappler.com