Above is a throwback photo clip from SunStar Philippines Newspaper Sports section in 1999, and I am that #2256 young athlete competing for Milo Olympics representing Sacred Heart School – Jesuits (Now SHS-Ateneo de Cebu); and won consecutive Silver medalist for individual and 400 meter relay.
I was a school athlete as a Sprinter during Grade School and early High School, and have always been proud of that. Humility aside, my fastest record was 16 seconds for a 100 meter dash at 12 years old.
My childhood dream has always been an athlete for track and field, specifically competing for Running, and represent the country just like the athletes for SEA Games and the Olympics; until our family doctor advised me to quit due to medical reasons.
I miss the open lot at the back of Collegio de Immaculada de Concepcion where we used to practice every end of class. As the clock striked 4pm, it’s time to change and head to practice.
We, together with my fellow school varsity, felt entitled (in a good way) for being way too spoiled by Fr. Julian Hernando, SJ (then SHS-J – Ateneo de Cebu Sports Head) for giving us all we needed – from branded uniforms to branded running shoes, and overflowing supply of sports drink just for us to win and give glory to the school and St. Ignatius.
I visited once the new campus of SHS-J Ateneo where my 2 younger sisters also graduated, and I was happy to see a track and field oval named after him – The “Fr. Hernando Athletic Field”
I may not have continued what I always wanted when I was younger, but I will always love the field. I will always love running, the sweat, the discipline and the adrenaline to get the gold.
