Achelle Guion is ready for the lift of her life in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The 49-year-old Filipino powerlifter last saw action in a high performance event during the 2012 Summer Paralympics, placing sixth among eight competitors with a lift of 70 kilograms.
Guion hopes to do better this time around.
The performance of gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz in women’s weightlifting during the Tokyo Olympic Games a few weeks ago has inspired her to do better.
Guion, who was stricken with polio, said she is ready to lift a heavier weight when action gets underway in the 16th Summer Paralympic Games slated from August 24 to September 5.
“Nagagawa ko na pong bumuhat na mas mabigat sa practice. Mas confident na po ako,” said Guion, who feels that she can reach up to 81 kgs.
With coach Antonio Taguibao guiding her, Guion, who will compete in the women’s 45 kilogram, was able to increase her load by 11 kgs during training.
Guion is one of six para athletes comprising the Philippine Paralympic Team for the Tokyo games.
The other athletes are blind discus thrower Janette Aceveda for athletics, Gary Bejino and Ernie Gawilan for swimming, Allain Ganapin for taekwondo and Jerrold Mangliwan, who is entered in T52 wheelchair racing.
In T52 wheelchair racing, athletes use their shoulders, elbows and wrist muscles for wheelchair propulsion.
Guion and her teammates were feted on Thursday by Citi Philippines during a virtual send-off as a show of support before they leave for Tokyo on Sunday.
“I wish all of you the very best of luck at this year’s Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Over the years, some of us have had the opportunity and great pleasure to meet with many of you, and we have all been extremely impressed, inspired and encouraged by your tremendous determination and resilience. We couldn’t be prouder to support such an amazing team of athletes and will be cheering for you in your quest for a medal,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.
To help the athletes get mentally prepared for the respective events, sports psychologist Marcus Manalo, who helped keep the Filipino boxers sharp and motivated during the Olympiad, will take care of the male athletes.
Dr. Marissa Guinto, who is an associate professor and research director at the University of the Philippines, will be around to take care of the mental well-being of the female athletes.
“Our para athletes have been preparing for this moment for many years and have overcome the adversity of the games being postponed as well as the challenges of training during the lockdown. We are proud of what they have accomplished, and we are confident that their performance in the upcoming Paralympic Games will inspire us all. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission and sponsors like Citi who have supported us on this challenging road to Tokyo,” said Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo.