Road to Gold: The Journey to the Next Olympics Gold Medal

4 min read

Aug 03, 2021

Header art by Inna Cruz


The Olympics is regarded as one of the most exciting sports events in the entire world! Many athletes dedicate much time and effort just to qualify for the games. With the likes of Hidilyn Diaz achieving the historic feat of being the first Filipino to win a gold medal at the Olympics, have you ever wondered what it takes to be an Olympian?

Look no further! We got your back! Here are a few things you should consider on your road to the next Olympics gold medal! (Psst…spoiler: it’s not impossible 😉)

Start ‘em young!

“Young” is a relative term but what we’re saying is that the best time to start picking up a sport you’re interested in is today! Love throwing trash when you’re a meter or two away from the trash can? Basketball might be for you! Want to mix skating and dancing? Figure skating is a cool sport, too (pun definitely intended 😏)! There are literally hundreds of sports you can choose from!

Whatever it is that you want to try, try it now! Hidilyn started weightlifting when she was 11; Michael Martinez started ice skating when he was around 9; and Carlos Yulo started gymnastics when he was 7. Being young doesn’t mean being incapable! Nobody is too young when it comes to sports. And, did we mention, sports are genderless! So, no matter which sport you choose, there’s always a space for you!

Schools are always an option!

Worried you weren’t able to start exploring sports at an early age? Well, all hope is not lost! Lucky for you, colleges and universities are now offering programs and tracks that can help you get on track with your Olympics dream!

At the Senior High School level, most schools now offer what is known as the “Sports Track.” In this track, you’ll be taught the ins and outs of human movement, coaching, sports officiating, fitness training, and exercise programs! Not only will you be extensively immersed in the world of sports, but you’ll also be trained in physical fitness—a great advantage for your plans in jumpstarting your career to be a professional athlete.

Not yet satisfied with your SHS Sports Track and you’re hungry for more? Well, don’t worry! There are hundreds of courses available for you that are offered by almost two hundred universities in the Philippines. Surely, you’ll find a good fit for you!

Both the Adamson University and San Beda University, located in Manila, offer the degree of Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports major in Fitness and Sports Management. 

For those in Visayas, the Aklan State University – Makato Campus offers the degree of Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science. 

While, for those in Mindanao, the Mindanao State University offers the Bachelor of Physical Education in its roster of available courses. 

For the full list of universities and specific courses they offer, you can head on to the Edukasyon.ph website!

Options, options, options!

Now that you have a degree in the field of sports, being a professional athlete is just one of the many career options that you can have! The world of sports is made up of many people other than just athletes such as coaches, trainers, nutritionists, and therapists. These people provide assistance and even help build the careers of professional athletes, making sure that they’re in tip-top shape and always ready for any competition. 

Still want to be in the world of sports but don’t want to be involved in what happens inside the court? There are also other options for you such as being a sports journalist. These people are the ones who write the news about sports as they happen (even getting the chance to see what goes on outside the court 👀), give comments on live TV, or follow the athlete’s journey from training up to game day. There are plenty of opportunities in the world of sports!

Even when you put your Olympic dreams on hold, and choose to enter different careers in the meantime, we have a good news for you! Did you know that there isn’t really a specific age limit for competing in the Olympics?

Yep, you read that right! You can still be in your late 20’s or mid-30’s and still compete in the Olympics! Famed swimmer Michael Phelps was actually 31 years old when he won 5 gold medals and a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics! 

The Philippines may have only won an Olympic gold medal very recently but that doesn’t mean it would be the last time! Who knows, maybe you’re the one who’s gonna bag the next gold medal? That would be totally awesome! Good luck, champ!

 

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