Latin America

Calabarzon swimmer an example to student-athletes

Michael Angelo Jugado

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Calabarzon swimmer an example to student-athletes
More than an athlete Calabarzon swimmer Suzanne Himor says her studies are her priorities over her swimming stint

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Palarong Pambansa Veteran swimmer Suzanne Himor is a student first before she is an athlete.

Despite being bemedalled and having a bright future in swimming, 15-year-old Himor typifies what student-athletes should be.

Studies are Himor’s first priority.

Pwede rin (to don the national colors) pero isipin rin ‘yung pag-aaral. Karamihan po ng athletes hindi kayang pagsabayin ang pag-aaral,” quipped Himor.

(I’m not discounting the possibility of playing for the national team but we should prioritize our studies. Majority of athletes have a hard time managing their time as student-athletes).

Hindi rin po biro maging athlete.

(To be an athlete is no joke).

In fact, Himor is an honor student, proving that in spite of all the trainings and competitions she has been a part of, studies come first.

Swimming in Himor’s life, advice to athletes

A daughter of a swimming coach, Himor got into the sport because of her father who also serves as her inspiration.

Dahil po sa tatay ko. Coach po kasi siya ng swimming. May hika rin po kasi ako,” shared Himor with Rappler. “Sinasama niya po ako sa mga training and isang araw tinulak niya ako sa swimming  pool.

(I got into swimming because of my father. He is a swimming coach. I also have asthma. He always brings me to trainings and one time, he pushed me into the swimming pool.)

That incident—intentional or not—proved to be a defining moment in Himor’s young swimming career as she eventually fell in love with the sport, became a champion and star swimmer in the Palarong Pambansa.

Noong una, laro-laro lang pero madalas nga akong isama ng tatay ko,” added Himor, an incoming Grade 10 student at the Immaculate Conception Academy in Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

Na-enganyo ako.

(At first, I did swimming just for fun but my father always brings me to his trainings. I got enticed).


Breaking her own record

Himor is entering her fifth Palarong Pambansa stint after winning 4 silver medals and a gold in Laguna on Palaro 2014—including a record-breaking feat in the secondary girls 200m butterfly.

The lanky and amiable Himor began her Palaro career in 2011 and has so far won a total of 12 medals.

Masaya kasi nationals ito (Palaro) at nakakaba pag una mong Palaro,” recalled Himor.

(We’re happy because this is the national level and you will feel the pressure when it’s your first time in Palaro).

Himor plunges into the swimming pool on Monday, May 4, and while the spotlight falls on her to deliver another good showing for CALABARZON, she modestly set her sights on breaking her own record.

Hindi po ako nage-expect pero sana ma-break ko ‘yung record ko,” explained Himor.

(I’m not expecting so much but I’m hoping to break my own record).

Swimming has made a difference in Himor’s life and yet she keeps her feet firmly planted on the ground while giving inspiring words to aspiring athletes.

Ang daming binigay sa akin ng swimming. Sa health, nakakatulong ako sa magulang ko and libre sa pag-aaral,” said Himor.

(Swimming has given me a lot of things in my life like in my health, I was also able to help my parents by securing a scholarship).

Kung may gusto kayong pangarap, paghirapan niyo ito kasi sobrang worth it. Wag mawawalan ng tiwala at mag-pray lagi kay Lord.

(If you have a dream, work for it because it’s worth it. Don’t lose hope and always pray to the Lord).

For Suzanne Himor, the best is yet to come. – Rappler.com

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