Eric Cray references Michael Jordan's 6 rings after winning 6th straight SEAG hurdles gold

PHNOM PENH — Is Eric Cray the GOAT of his Southeast Asian Games event?

The 34-year-old veteran track and field athlete recently made history by copping his sixth consecutive crown in the SEA Games' 400m hurdles event after ruling the men's competition on Thursday.

And as Cray completed the race in 50.03 seconds, the national record holder made a reference to the achievements of basketball legend Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.

"Six rings, six championships. Last year, it was the year of Kobe. That was five. And now six, it's Jordan," said Cray.

Capturing his sixth straight SEAG gold in the event, though, was not an easy job for the Filipino-American trackster.

According to Cray, he suffered an injury months before the SEA Games and admitted that it became a concern heading to Cambodia.

He even had to pull off the team relay contest to focus on his pet event.

"It feels great, man. [I] had an injury in Asian indoor so that was definitely a concern coming in, I had to pull out of the relays but I'm feeling good. I'm right on pace," he recalled.

After the SEA Games, Cray will eye the Asian Games and the Paris Olympics in 2024, which he said he is hoping to qualify for alongside another track and field star, world no. 3 pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

"I'm ready for the Asian Games. Definitely, Paris 2024. Hope to be there along with EJ and contend for the medal."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News