Filipinos take great pride with the success of our athletes on the international stage. They become news headlines, become trending topics on social media, and are greeted with prizes and incentives when they come home.
Their stories of struggle and perseverance are told, in the hopes of inspiring the youth to channel their energy and passion into something productive.
It is tennis star Alexandra Eala’s turn to be recognized these days. The 20-year-old bowed out of the Eastbourne Open Final this weekend but put up an admirable fight, already making her the most successful Filipino tennis player in history. Eala became the first Filipino to reach the Women’s Tennis Association 250 singles final.
Numerous officials have taken note of Eala’s performance. The First Couple used their social media platforms to show their support for the tennis player. “Tuloy ang laban, Alex! …That alone is already a victory for our country and for the millions of Filipinos who stand proudly behind you. You’ve made us all proud! Keep going, your best is yet to come,” said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
“You may not have taken the win today, but your heart, grit and sportsmanship spoke louder than any score. You fought with everything you had – and for that, we are so incredibly proud,” said First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
For her part, former Senator and incoming Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima saw “more than just tennis; I witnessed a young woman standing her ground with everything she had. At just 20 years old, she has already mastered the quiet art of rising after every stumble, of giving her all to a fight no matter how heavy the odds.”
When she bowed out of the final, Eala said: “This has to be one of the toughest losses of my early career, but I firmly believe that it’s these moments that make you stronger and shape your character.”
She has been fortunate to have the complete backing – financial support included – of her family as she trained from a young age to be a tennis star.
One wonders, however, how many more talented, gritty, hardworking athletes could the Philippines produce if the government provided consistent and organized support for those who are starting out in their respective fields, especially if they do not have privileged backgrounds?
Athletic success is not measured in terms of a single victory or a single event. It is, rather, an accumulation of years of dedication and hard work, even financial resourcefulness enabling athletes to keep practicing despite the scarcity of funds or the persistence of other personal challenges. There is no doubt that young Filipinos do not lack grit and determination in their chosen fields, but whether or not they continue could well be decided by the amount and quality of support that they get not only from their families or communities, but their government.
May our government not only share in the glory of our athletes’ success but have a steady, direct hand in shaping their form and longevity.
