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TAGUM CITY, Philippines – X marks the spot.
Among the athletes in the secondary girls archery competition, one was most noticeable. It was neither because of her size nor gear – the lanky, timid representative from the Cordillera Administrative Region wore something among archers that only she had – eyeglasses.
In archery where precision is a vital factor, eyesight is also crucial; one has to have the vision of an eagle, steadily aiming for its target.
But for Loren Balaoing, the heart is what matters most.
“Ngayon lang ako nag-eyeglasses kasi lumabo ang mata ko at nung una na-discourage ako kasi bumaba yung performance ko,” admitted Balaoing.
“Nahirapan akong bumalik pero love ko talaga yung sport at hindi ko na lang pinansin.”
(I had to wear eyeglasse just recently and I was discouraged at first because my performance took a dip. It was hard for me to go back but I love the sport that’s why I didn’t bother to worry anymore).
Epic battle
During the 40m bout, a one-shot tiebreaker between Balaoing and her teammate Shanaya Dangla was needed as they scored a total of 312 points apiece. It boiled down to who wanted it more.
Both had intensity written all over their faces as they launched their arrows.
As the arrows briskly struck the target, the two nervously walked towards the target to see who grabbed the gold.
It was a close call.
Dangla’s arrow landed on the yellow pavement and gained a perfect score of 10. However for Balaoing, she did what everyone thought was unlikely for someone wearing eyeglasses.
She hit the X.
The 16-year old Balaoing brought CAR its first gold medal for the Palarong Pambansa 2015.
Baguio’s Hawk Eye
“Hindi talaga ako sa archery dapat kasi nung una chess player ako,” said Balaoing who also grabbed a silver medal in the 30m event. “Pero sobrang naging interesado talaga ako kaya I gave it a try.”
(Chess was really my sport and not archery but I was really interested in it that’s why I gave it a try).
On her Palaro debut last 2013, Balaoing hiked back to the mountains of Cordillera empty-handed but she never ran out of hope as the Baguio-native came back the next year stronger than ever.
“Nagsilver ako last year sa Laguna,” Balaoing said. “Talagang sinabi ko sa sarili ko na kahit mahirap kasi nga lumabo yung mata ko, babawi ako.”
(I won the silver medal last year in Laguna. I really told myself that even though it’s hard because of my eye sight, I will make it).
Despite her condition, she just kept on getting better.
CAR’s Loren Balaoing lives by her coach’s quote: "Life is all about hitting targets." #facesofpalaro @bluespectacle pic.twitter.com/WnJIpCyXmw
— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) May 5, 2015
With the passion to excel, Loren grabbed her first gold medal in the largest grassroots multi-sporting event in the country as she also makes her Palaro exit this year.
“Sobrang masaya ako na na-reach ko yung goals ko bawat taon,” shared Balaoing who also graduated as valedictorian. “After ng Palaro, gusto ko magtryout sa Philippine team.”
(I am so happy because I was able to reach my goals each year. After Palaro, I also want to tryout for the Philippine team).
According to CAR coach John Hongitan, he always reminds his team the sport isn’t just about the mind but more so the values each athlete needs to have before they shoot.
“There are three elements in archery: consistency, discipline and heart,” said CAR coach John Hongitan. “In this sport, the greatest opponent is yourself.”
And one of the things Bolaoing keeps on her mind whether she is in the game zone or out spending an ordinary day is a quote from her coach, “Life is all about hitting targets.”
Step by step, Loren—with an ample amount of heart in every release – knows she will hit hers. – Rappler.com
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