Adopted gymnast blossoms into gold medalist

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Her parents had to give her up, but she did not give up on herself. 

Arielle Nichole Orella, 16, is steadily making a name for herself as a rhythmic gymnast representing the National Capital Region (NCR) at Palarong Pambansa. Reporters seek her out and she has become a recognizable face, being the most bemedalled rhythmic gymnast of the country’s largest annual multi-sporting event.

A smile almost permanently etched on her face and a bounce to her step only inner confidence could have induced, it’s hard to believe the spirited Orella already faced a great deal as early as her birth.

Sixteen years earlier, when Orella was just a newborn, her parents were forced to give her up for adoption as her father lost his job. The youngest of 10 children, Orella was adopted by her father’s best friend, where she became the youngest of 4 siblings. 

The hope was to save at least one child and provide her with a better life. That decision, though immensely tough and painful to make, turned out to be the best choice for Orella.

The Caloocan City native grew up with opportunities at her behest, and unyielding support from her family as she pursued her passion in gymnastics. 

Her childhood was far from troubled as her new family accepted her with open arms and treated her as their own. Their love was unconditional enough that they trusted Orella with the truth of her real family at the tender age of 5.

The truth did not curb Orella. In fact, she broadened her mind and saw the bigger picture, with the help of careful explanations to her.

Though she will not deny feeling anger for her parents at different points in her life. Orella’s father regularly visited her. But she met her mother for the first time only last Christmas. 

“Wala akong expression. Pinaliwanag niya lang,” Orella shared her first encounter with her biological mother. “Yung mother ko galit ako sa kanya kasi nung bata ako hindi niya ako pinuntahan, dinalaw. Yung father ko, kahit ayaw ko sa kanya noon, pinupuntahan niya ako.” 

(I showed no expression. She just explained everything to me. I was angry at my mother because when I was a child she did not visit me. My father, even if I did not like him then, he still came to see me.)

Divina Beren, Orella’s gymnastics coach of 7 years believes Orella uses both her biological and adoptive families as strength.

Beren shared how Orella’s adoptive family has consistently been by her side through her journey as a gymnast. Orella’s father, an OFW, provided her with gymnastics apparatus such as the ball and clubs.

“Hindi naman po sila nagkulang sa akin mag-alaga lalo yung mga kapatid ko,” she said, “hindi nila pinaramdam sa akin na adopted ako kaya hindi ako nalulungkot.” (They never fell short in taking care of me especially my siblings, they never made me feel like I was adopted that’s why I don’t feel sad.)

Her family’s immense support did not go to waste as Orella hauled at least 200 medals across many tournaments through the years. She has since padded on to that number and brought more pride to her family by being Palaro’s Most Outstanding Athlete in 2013 and bagging a similar award in the Milo Little Olympics for the last 5 years.

Orella has the most medals in rhythmic gymnastics at Palaro. She had a dismal performance last year as pressure, she said, got the best of her. But she plans to bounce back this year.

Set to graduate from high school, Orellas already has offers from at least 3 reputable universities for a full ride to college and a spot on a cheerdancing team. Though she is still weighing her options, with a thirst to pursue an education degree and an itch to compete for flag and country gnawing at her.

Orella is a fighter. That much is clear when she tiptoes onto the mat, poses, waits for her cue, then gracefully and powerfully breezes through her routine. That much is certain when she flashes her toothy grin and takes casual strides with her head held high despite the challenges not many know she faced.

But her steadfast spirit is not her only trait worthy of note. 

Orella’s wisdom is not one of a regular 16-year old. Her mind is broad, she sees the world from a more peaceful perspective, and she has an incredibly deep understanding of the concept of acceptance – even if she might not realize that yet. 

“Hindi ako ito ngayon kung hindi ako pina-adopt, kaya thankful ako.” (I won’t be who I am now if I was not adopted, that’s why I’m thankful.) – Rappler.com

Video shot and edited by Franz Lopez