Crying last-placed runner is instant toast and darling of Cambodia

Overnight celebrity: Cambodia’s Bou Samnang poses for photos with her fans after her famous run in the 5,000m where she finished six minutes behind the winner and was seen crying in the rain (pic, below) at the finish line. — AFP

EVERYONE in Phnom Penh, it seems, wants a selfie with Bou Samnang.

The Cambodian runner has become a star of the SEA Games since her gritty performance in the women’s 5,000m . Although she came last, her determination to finish the race under torrential rain charmed the country and even won plaudits from Prime Minister Hun Sen.