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MARIKINA CITY, Philippines – The storm surge did not wash away her athletic spirit.
After overcoming the challenges of surviving Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), young athlete Karen Janario on Wednesday, December 3, won two silver medals in the girls’ categories of the 200-meter dash and 110-meter hurdle of athletics in the 6th ASEAN Schools Games.
The 15-year-old is the youngest member of the Philippine athletics team and the youngest winner in the games.
“Happy po ako na kahit bata ako nakapag-uwi ako ng silver for the Philippines. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon na tinulungan niya ako at dininig niya ang panalangin ko,” Janario said. (I’m really happy that I was able to win silver for the Philippines despite my young age. I thank God for his help and guidance. He heard my prayers.)
Janario also won bronze in the 4×100-meter relay, teamed up with Eloisa Luzon, Rosemarie Olorvida, and Glaiza Salcedo.
Surviving Yolanda
When the super typhoon battered the Visayas in November 2013, Janario felt devastated. A native of Palo, Leyte – one of the cities hardest-hit by the typhoon – Janario still vividly remembers the first few days of the aftermath.
“I still cry every time I remember what happened in Yolanda. It’s as if my heart died along with the victims. I saw dead people lying on the streets. Houses were destroyed and we had no food and water,” she added.
The next few months proved to be more difficult. The Leyte Sports Academy student said she and some of her teammates were taken off track because of the devastation.
“Some of my teammates got injuries. Others, had to look for their families. We just thanked God for the second chance in life,” Janario said.
Rising to the challenge
Despite the losses and the difficult circumstances, Janario believed in one thing – that she will bounce back stronger and better.
“I made my Yolanda experience my inspiration. I told myself that I won’t let my dreams be washed away by the tides the storm brought. I will make this my challenge,” Janario said.
Two months after the super typhoon, on January 2014, Janario bagged 5 gold medals in Batang Pinoy National finals. In the Palarong Pambansa 2014, she also won gold medals in the team competitions.
“Whenever you are faced with a big challenge, don’t let it affect you. You are always stronger and things will always work out for those who trust God,” Janario said of her experience.
Even in this early stage of her athletic career, Janario already wants to give back to the country.
“My dream is to become a successful international champion. But more than that, I want to become a coach. I want to impart the life lessons I learned in sports to other youth so they can also be successful,” Janario concluded. – Rappler.com
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