Asthmatic high jumper makes golden leap

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano trackster Roneth Ayuda proved that her determination is stronger than her illness as she delivered Cebu City’s first gold medal in athletics event of the Philippine National Games (PNG) 2018 yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The 21-year-old Ayuda made the host city and province proud as she reigned supreme in the women’s high jump with leap of 1.50 meters, ahead of her teammate Kristy Kay Vinco and Baguio’s Lyka Casta, who settled for the silver and bronze with 1.40m each.

“I’m just inspired to compete before by friends and family,” said Ayuda, who won a gold in each of the last two editions of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games in Zambales and Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Ayuda, who hails from Liloan, Cebu, dedicated her victory to her father Rommel, who washes pig pens, drives ‘habal-habal (motorcycle for hire)’, and help harvest mango fruits for a living.

“This is for my father, who works hard for us,” said the teary-eyed Ayuda, whose mother died of cancer eight years ago when she was only 13 years old.

Before heading to her first PNG stint, Ayuda shared she had endured an asthma attack a week before the competition that forced her to stop training. She only had three days to get back in top shape.

“I wasn’t able to train the whole week because my asthma triggered back, and I only had three days to slowly recover. That’s  why I did not really expect to win,” said Ayuda, a member of the University of San Carlos (USC) athletics varsity for four years now.

Ayuda said she used sports to overcome her condition.

“Before when I wasn’t still active in sports, my asthma attacks occurs frequently,” she said. “But when I started my career as a regular athlete, I was able to overcome it.”

Ayuda started her career as a track and field athlete when she was recruited by USC-BED athletics head coach Arvin Loberanis and Ernesto Ybanez.

“My father can’t afford to send me in college financially, so I grabbed the opportunity to get a full scholarship by being a varsity player,” said Ayuda.

Ayuda is now close to her dreams of graduating from her college studies. She hopes to become a member of the national team one day.

“I really wanted to become an athlete since then. I was inspired to be one because I like the feeling of being a role model to my fellow youth. I also wanted to give back to my coaches, who helped me reach the stage where I am now,” Ayuda said.

“It is also my dream to join the national team and to compete in various international competitions, and I am hoping to be part of those who will be selected.” (FREEMAN)