Guimarasnon SEA Games athletics medalist talks about life before stardom

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Whatever the circumstances will be, Southeast Asian Games athletics medalist Joida Gagnao will forever have Guimaras in her heart.

A proud Guimarasnon, Gagnao recently brought pride not only in her province but to the whole country by clinching the 3k Steeplechase silver medal and the 5k-meter run bronze medal in the 30^th SEAG.

Perseverance, hardwork, and dedication were the three main keys Gagnao talked about during Episode 3 of the Guimaras Players’ Center Sports Academy zoom talk with founder and main organizer, Dr. Richard Gabayoyo.

If not for her struggles and hardships during her humble beginnings, Gagnao said that she won’t be in the position she’s in right now.

During her younger years as a student of the Old Poblacion Elementary School, the celebrated runner shared that it was difficult going to her school, given the rocky, steep, and long walks just to get there.

“Sang ga elementary ako sa Old Poblacion Elementary School, amo na to ang umpisa kay pakadto sa eskwelahan namon, ga pauna una kami palumba pakadto to para madasig maka abot didto,” said Gagnao during her online interview.

Gagnao didn’t know that the simple fun of racing towards their school and returning to their respective homes will be the foundation of her fruitful career.

Since then, Gagnao has joined many athletic events during her elementary and high school years which gave her the chance to participate in several Palarong Pambansa stints.

Being able to represent Western Visayas in the Palarong Pambansa was her first major competition and from that, she was able to learn more things and improved each and every day as a runner.

Her hardwork and achievements in Guimaras paid off big time after she was recruited to be a part of the FEU Lady Track and Field varsity squad.

From there, the prized Guimarasnon continued to prosper and joined in various tournaments in the Metro and was eventually noticed and invited to join the Philippine team where she shone.

“Salamat gid sa mga nag suporta sakon halin college kag salamat sa tanan nga tawo nga ara sa likod ko kag asta subng ara gyapon, kaupod kita diri kag damo pa gid tani nga blessings mabaton ko,” said Gagnao.