Some of our best bets have an ally up there.
Some athletes rely on their skills and wits to win games. But some know that with a pint of divine intervention, they can be more successful on the big stage and in life.
We listed down some of our prized athletes who are proud of professing their faith.
Hidilyn Diaz
The road to success is littered with bumps here and there.
It’s the same with Philippine sports gem Hidilyn Diaz, who had a "downtime" as an athlete almost a decade ago.
When she was nursing a knee injury, she was struggling to figure out her purpose in life. Then she turned to God.
“I learned how to pray when I didn’t know how to before. And I trusted in God. I told myself there’s a purpose why I’m here,” Diaz was quoted as saying during the 2018 Philippine Conference for the New Evangelization in UST in an article by the Philippine Star in 2021.
To cut the long story short, she’s now an Olympic gold medalist and an inspiration to the next generation of female athletes.
Jia De Guzman
Check her Twitter.
See it?
The Creamline Cool Smashers ace setter has always made sure to thank the Lord for every opportunity to hop on the court.
Perhaps this is why the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals MVP is always a winner.
Calvin Abueva
Don’t be surprised to see the Magnolia Hotshots forward among the throngs of barefoot Catholics every January in Quiapo, Manila.
Yes, Calvin Abueva is a devotee of the Black Nazarene since his days with the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA.
Look:
Abueva is no longer a stranger to tribulations. And in dealing with them, he knows there is a God he can lean on.
Borgie Hermida
Like Abueva, former San Beda Red Lions skipper Borgie Hermida is also among those faithful clad in yellow and maroon during the procession of the Black Nazarene.
Like Diaz, it all started with an injury in 2005.
"In-encourage ako ng brother ko. Na-injure kasi ako nun," said the NLEX Road Warriors assistant team manager. "Since then naging devotee na ako."
Before playing in the PBA, Hermida was an integral part of that San Beda team, which, to this day, remains as the only squad to win the NCAA crown via an 18-0 season sweep.
For the four-time NCAA champion, faith plays an important role in his performance on the court. He hopes other athletes realize that too.
June Mar Fajardo
The San Miguel Beermen superstar never fails to express his gratitude to the Lord during post-game press conferences.
He normally opens the interview with lines like: “Unang-una, nagpapasalamat ako kay God, walang na-injure sa team namin at sa kalaban.”
Look:
Abai is truly a gentle giant with a gentle heart.