Undeterred by her heartbreaks in vovinam, Filipina boxer Hergie Bacyadan showed resiliency in securing her spot in the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Filipina boxer Hergie Bacyadan has gone through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in a span of a year.
After transitioning from boxing, Bacyadan poured her heart and soul into preparing for the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where she competed in the Vietnamese martial art of Vovinam.
Bacyadan, however, experienced heartbreak.
In the finals, she faced Bui Thi Thao Ngan from Vietnam. The match was evenly contested, leading to a drawing of lots to decide the winner, which favored Bui.
"Siyempre na-disappoint ako kasi binigay ko 'yung lahat, binuhos ko na and then naging ganun," Bacyadan told One Sports.
[ALSO READ: 'White gold': Hergie Bacyadan's sacrifice deserves respect despite sour loss in SEA Games vovinam]
But Bacyadan didn’t let this setback deter her spirit. She continued to train diligently, aiming for redemption in her future competitions.
"Sabi ko, okay sige, parang ang sakit eh kung iisipin mo, pero erase kagad. Kung para sayo, edi dapat nasa'yo. Inalis ko kagad 'yun. Sabi ko, mas may magandang ibibigay sakin si Lord kaya ayun, sabi nalang mga staff at mga coaches na meron pang ibang laban,” said Baycadan
Her hard work paid off when she performed exceptionally well at the World Vovinam Championships, showcasing her skills and determination.
"Na-perform ko siya nang mas maayos hanggang sa last fight, finals na, dun talaga sabi ko, eto na, dito ko na ibibigay 'yung alam mo 'yung walang katulad nung na-experience ko sa SEA Games nun na parang may doubt ka pa eh, parang alanganin pa, pero ito sureball na," said Bacyadan.
But Bacyadan’s journey took another significant turn as she shifted her focus back to boxing with her eyes set on the Olympic Games.
At the 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Thailand, she secured a coveted spot for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 by winning via unanimous decision against Venezuela’s Maryelis Yriza in the women’s 75-kg category.
“In-adapt ko nalang 'yung kaba tapos pagdating sa ring, nawala na lahat 'yun,” Bacyadan shared about her mindset during the match.
“Bakbak kung bakbak kasi sabi ko talagang since nung first round namin sabi ko, 'Hindi puwede na ito, last na ito.' Marami akong coaches na naka-abang sa akin, mga taong may tiwala sa akin kaya bakit ko pa sasayangin pagkakataon na ito.”
Despite being relatively new to the boxing scene, Bacyadan has already achieved remarkable success.
But as she prepares for her biggest tournament yet, Bacyadan has vowed to work even harder to bring home another Olympic medal for the Philippines.
“Natapos na ‘yung trabaho ko dito sa qualifying [round]. Mas tatrabahuin ko pa ‘yung darating na mas malaki pa pong event [which is the Olympic Games Paris 2024],” said Bacyadan.