World Games karate gold medalist Junna Tsukii vows not to get tired of representing the Philippines even in the face of discouraging comments about her looks and choice of nationality.
In her latest post on social media, the Filipina-Japanese said she has survived multiple surgeries and is still stool tall to reach her golden goal.
“If I had fought only for myself, I would not have survived 10 surgeries and would not have been able to overcome the pain of defeat. It was always the love and support from everyone that made me get up on my feet.”
Prior to her yet another emotional post, she also lamented how some people have questioned his motives in choosing to represent the Philippines.
“I sometimes hear people say, ‘Why didn’t she choose Japan?’ ‘Why is she here when she doesn’t even speak Tagalog?” “Maybe she came to the Philippines because she caused some problems in Japan.”
“When I heard it, it was really sad and painful,” added Tsukii who was born in the Philippines and raised in Japan. Her mother is a Filipina.
“My mother used to cook both Filipino and Japanese food. She always spoke to me in Tagalog. It may not look like it to my appearance, but my body definitely included a lot of love from the Philippines.”
When she came back to the Philippines, she learned to sing the Philippine national anthem with the help of her mother via video phone.
“My biggest dream was to see the Philippine flag at the highest point in the world and sing the national anthem. Is it strange for other people to think so since I grew up in Japan?
Tsukii is currently training under Turkish coach Okay Arpa, hoping to pounce on another big opportunity to wear the Philippine flag anew in international competition.