The country’s lawmakers adopted a resolution commending her accomplishment.
Filipina nurse and world-class marathoner Julie Uychiat was honored by the Senate on Tuesday for conquering the 2023 edition of the World Marathon Challenge.
In its first three legs, which happened in Antartica, Cape Town, and Perth, Uychiat placed 4th, 3rd, and 2nd, respectively. The 49-year-old runner then showed her true strength as she finished first in the global event’s last four stops in Dubai, Spain, Brazil, and Miami.
Her ability as an endurance athlete is impressive, no doubt. But her character is what really makes her a champion, in every sense of the word. In the middle of competition, Uychiat, who migrated to the US 30 years ago, raised funds, amounting to $30,000 for the abused and neglected kids in her hometown of Bacolod, under the care of the Kalipay Negrense Foundation.
No wonder, Senator Risa Hontiveros was so giddy being able to meet Uychiat in person.
"Ngayong Women's Month, akmang akma na parangalan sa Senado si Julie Uychiat, ang kauna-unahang Pilipina na nanalo sa World Marathon Challenge. Iba talaga ang galing ng Pinay," Hontiveros wrote on her Facebook page.
The Negros-born clinical services director in Arizona discovered her passion for running at age 44. Truly, she’s an inspiration not only to women, but to everyone, regardless of age and gender. More than gaining an elite athlete, the Philippines has found itself a new hero.