Ken Ryzen Donguines Herrera, a determined 17-year-old University of Baguio High School student, is already carrying the weight of legacy, discipline, and ambition on the track and field.
Ken captured a silver medal in Batang Pinoy 2024, marking his first podium finish in the national event and a defining moment in his journey as a rising athlete.
Athletics isn’t just a sport for Ken, it’s a family tradition as both his parents are former athletes.
Since his father is a SEA (Southeast Asian) Games champion and Olympian, Ken’s foundation in track and field was set early.
What started as joining local competitions in elementary school has grown into something much larger: a pursuit of excellence grounded in heritage and driven by personal ambition.
Ken’s preparation for Batang Pinoy 2024 was methodical and disciplined as he balanced training with school responsibilities and built a weekly training log to plan and evaluate his sessions.
Whether it was strength work after afternoon practices or recovery routines at home, his schedule was shaped by careful adjustments and close monitoring, thanks to the support of his father, mother, and younger sibling.
On race day, nerves naturally crept in, but confidence took over with the real challenge coming during the race itself.
A tightly contested event, the field jostled for position, and in the final stretch, Ken led the pack until a last-minute surge from another runner edged him out of gold.
Still, the silver was a personal milestone which meant not just a medal but also a testament to his resilience and a springboard for what’s next.
For Ken, the 800-mile race was more than a competition; it was a learning ground as he managed anxiety, trusted preparation, and stayed present in the moment, lessons he took to heart.
And though he narrowly missed the top spot, the experience sparked even greater motivation to return stronger in Batang Pinoy 2025.
The silver medal now serves as a symbol of his untapped potential and future possibilities. With dreams of competing in the SEA Games, Asian Games, and even the Olympics, Ken is determined to keep improving, both as an athlete and as a person.
Balancing school and sport is a daily challenge, but he’s found rhythm in training after class, dedicating evenings to academic work, and waking up early for advanced reading.
Outside the track, Ken enjoys drawing, playing mobile games, and caring for his pet fish, activities that offer peace in contrast to the adrenaline of competition.
His advice to other young athletes is simple: “Embrace every moment, honor the journey, and never stop dreaming.”
For Ken Ryzen Herrera, the race has only just begun, and the finish line keeps moving forward. -Jescilly Nils Viernes/Baguio PIO Intern/gabykeith
