Long-time national athlete Jean Claude Saclag has always been known for his fighting spirit. But at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, he carried something heavier than training or expectations—he carried the quiet worry of a father.
Just weeks before the Games, Saclag’s three-year-old son underwent heart surgery. The days leading up to the competition were filled with hospital visits, prayers, and uncertainty. Training became secondary. His focus was elsewhere.
“Kulang ang paghahanda,” he admitted.
As a parent, his priority was clear.
But when the time came, Saclag chose to compete—motivated by his family, by his wife’s encouragement, and by his desire to represent the Philippines with dignity.
Grounded in Heart
Despite the emotional weight he carried, Saclag delivered a solid performance in the Men’s 65kg Modern MMA event. He defeated Thailand’s Sikaret Tongsaluay in the eliminations before falling to a Vietnamese opponent in the semifinals.
The result earned him a bronze medal, adding to the Philippines’ tally and once again showing his consistency as a national athlete.
It wasn’t the gold he had hoped for, but Saclag approached the outcome with maturity and gratitude.
“Buong puso akong nagpapasalamat… kahit hindi naging madali ang mga linggo bago ang SEA Games, nakapag-uwi tayo ng bronze.”
Faith and Family
Throughout the journey, Saclag leaned on faith, his coaches, the national team, and his community in Kalinga and Apayao. But above all, he leaned on his family.
He spoke warmly about his wife, who encouraged him to continue despite knowing the challenges.
And he expressed deep gratitude to God for guiding both his child’s operation and his own competition.
Saclag did not dwell on what he lacked.
He focused on what he gained—strength, clarity, and the reminder that every athlete competes not just for medals but for something more personal.
Quietly, humbly, Jean Claude Saclag showed what it means to fight with purpose.
