Barefoot runner hopes to make it big in Batang Pinoy

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Seeing a shoeless runner on the tracks is not entirely new, as they can be spotted every now and then, especially in district and provincial meets. Some run barefoot because they or their school cannot afford to buy them shoes, while some do it because they feel comfortable pounding the tracks with their bare feet.

In the case of 13-year-old Princess Dian Peñaranda, she opted to run barefoot during the qualifying heat of the 100-m hurdles in the 2016 Batang Pinoy National Championships at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex because she feels comfortable without her shoes.

This is her first time to see action in Batang Pinoy, a talent identification program of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Peñaranda, who is part of the Kapalong, Davao del Norte delegation, said it was the first time that she ran barefoot. Although she failed to qualify in the 100-m hurdles after finishing second to the last, the Grade 7 student said she will still go shoeless in her other event—the 200-m hurdles.

A student of Kapalong National High School, Peñaranda started athletics two years ago, when she was still in Grade 5. She said she got into it because it seemed running would be fun.

Now, however, Peñaranda shared she is thinking of quitting because balancing her studies with training has become increasingly difficult.

In fact, she’s supposed to train daily and early in the morning but now she only trains during non-school days as she is prioritizing her studies.

Peñaranda’s coach, Rodrigo Orago Jr, is convincing her to continue because he sees potential in her.

“She has the right body frame and the right age for the sport,” said Orago.

Peñaranda’s parents also try their best to support their daughter in her sport. She is the 7th of 8 children of Arnold, a construction worker, and Lolita, a housewife.

Though none of her parents or siblings are into sports, Peñaranda said her father’s siblings used to be sprinters, too.

Peñaranda’s biggest achievement so far in the sport is a silver medal in the 100-m hurdles in last year’s Davao Regional Athletic Association Meet. – Rappler.com