During Physical: Asia Quest 3, Team Philippines’ Mark “Mugen” Striegl secured a vital victory by outlasting all competitors in a grueling Hanging Endurance challenge that lasted nearly three hours. His win earned crucial points, pulling the Philippines into a tie for second place with Korea while Australia maintained the overall lead.
The Decisive Hanging Endurance Challenge
The Hanging Endurance was the third round in Quest 3, a critical moment for Team Philippines after lower scores in the initial rounds. The challenge required athletes to suspend themselves from fabric rings, gripping with their hands and ensuring their feet never touched the ground.
Representing the Philippines, Mark Mugen faced intense physical struggle. During the nearly three-hour contest, his legs and feet went numb, and he once lost his balance during a one-handed turn, narrowly avoiding a fall. His perseverance paid off as he held on longer than his rivals. Korean athlete Choi Seung-Yeon competed for over two hours before her feet parted from the mark, and Australian player Alex also struggled, eventually losing her grip. Mugen’s first-place finish earned the Philippines three points.
Reflecting on the team’s determination, Mark stated:
“Of course, we can’t afford to lose. We didn’t come this far to lose.”
Team Standings After the Epic Battle
The points from the Hanging Endurance challenge significantly shifted the team rankings. Before this round, Australia led with 6 points, Korea held 4 points, and the Philippines had 2 points.
With Mugen’s win granting the Philippines 3 points, Australia taking 2 points for second place, and Korea receiving 1 point, the overall standings for Quest 3 were reshaped. Team Philippines and Korea found themselves tied at 5 points each, while Australia stayed in front with 8 points.
The Quest 3 Leaderboard Setup
The earlier rounds of Quest 3 established the high stakes for the Hanging Endurance.
- Round 1: Pillar Vaulting Athletes ran hurdles, performed pillar vaulting through 20 rounds, and retrieved a flag. Australia won this round (3 points), Korea placed second (2 points), and the Philippines finished third (1 point).
- Round 2: Stone Endurance Two-player teams had to hold up 135 kg totems for as long as possible. Australia again won (3 points), with Korea second (2 points), and the Philippines third (1 point).
These results left the Philippines trailing and in need of a strong performance, which Mark Mugen delivered in the final hanging round.
A Look at the Other Challenges
Following the Hanging Endurance, the teams immediately moved to a Sack Toss challenge. This task required athletes to throw a 14 kg sack over a 4-meter hurdle, with the sack’s weight later increasing to 16 kg.
The outcome of this round was not concluded by the end of the episode, leaving the final standings for Quest 3 still to be determined. However, Mark Mugen’s endurance had already secured essential points, keeping Team Philippines in strong contention as the competition continues.
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Credits: primetimer
