BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  — Chaya Clear Finmokod wasn’t planning to become a Wushu athlete but simply followed her curiosity as less than a year later, the 18-year-old from the City of Pines is a Batang Pinoy 2024 gold medalist.

She started training in 2023 after hearing about a combat sports program in school. “It was related to my past sport, so I got curious and asked about it. Before I knew it, I was already joining the Wushu training,” she said.

But the road to Batang Pinoy 2024 wasn’t without its challenges since Chaya, who specializes in Sanda (sparring), trained two months ahead of the competition and her coach helped her and her teammates sharpen their skills and build their stamina.

Still, staying consistent proved to be the most difficult part of her journey. “I tried to motivate myself, but sometimes I couldn’t attend training. But with the support and push from my coaches, I still managed to keep going until the end,” Chaya admitted.

Despite the struggles, Chaya remained focused as her eyes were set on growth—not just as an athlete, but as a person. “What keeps me going is my passion for the sport, the goals I’ve set for myself, and the thought that I can always be better than I was yesterday,” she said.

For Chaya, representing Baguio City at Batang Pinoy 2024 wasn’t just about the medals. “It was a great experience. It wasn’t just about the matches, but also about the fun and friendships built along the way,” she said.

One of the most unforgettable moments for her was winning her semifinal match—a moment that gave her the confidence she needed to push through to the finals.

When her name was finally announced as the gold medalist, Chaya felt a wave of emotions. “It felt unreal and emotional. All the hard work, sweat, and struggles paid off. I felt proud not just for myself but for everyone who supported me,” she stressed.

Chaya credits her success to the people around her—coaches, teammates, and family—who pushed her forward. “They were my motivation, support system, and inspiration throughout the journey.”

As for what’s next, Chaya remains committed to her training and is looking forward to more competitions and opportunities to improve, not just physically but also mentally. “The next step I want to take is focusing more on both my physical and mental growth,” she said.

Chaya is proof that sometimes, all it takes is a spark of interest, a little courage, and the will to keep showing up even when it’s difficult.-Heidi V. Alonzo/Baguio PIO intern/gabykeith