27/02/2018
This time, the Gold is mine!
Carl Angel D. Hilbero
A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination, and hard work.
Engraved in every heart of an athlete is the burning desire to bring home the most coveted Gold Medal and to bring pride and honor to their division. For the 12-year old dedicated, resilient boy from Valencia, Bohol, Johnny Lewis Daleon Gayamara, it is on top of his Bucket’s List to grab a gold medal since his first CVIRAA appearance way back 2015 in Naga City. Yes! It is his third consecutive time to compete in the CVIRAA meet as a gymnast and most probably his last chance for he will be graduating this year in the elementary. All his childhood hopes and aspirations are poured for this last opportunity.
And he made it! With great jubilation and exhilaration, he triumphantly bagged the only Gold medal for the Division of Bohol in the Floor Exercise which made him qualified for the Palarong Pambansa in Vigan City this April. In the previous CVIRAA Meets, Lewis always landed in the third place until this year, he finally brought home the bacon. Indeed, good things come in threes because it is his third time and he finally won a Gold medal. Lola Julieta, his very supportive grandmother, literally jumped for joy after hearing the result. “Nahugyaw gyud mi pagkahibaw nga Gold medallist akong apo, hasta tibuok Valencia nalipay tungod kay naay madala sa Palaro nga taga amoa,” exclaimed Lola Julieta.
Apparently, it wasn’t just Lewis’ journey alone. All throughout his gymnastics endeavour was his very supportive grandparents, Lola Julieta and Lolo Zacarias Daleon, who were constantly and untiringly present in every competition, cheering loudly for their apo. Her mother, Christy Gayamara worked in Dubai and hasn’t come home for four years now but she never failed to show her unfaltering support to his eldest son. Having known the great news about his son, she even decided not to go to work. She was still in cloud nine as she watched the video clip of her son’s outstanding performance during the competition even if it’s just over the net. She was absolutely proud of his son’s achievement. It was all God’s plan all along. For the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, his mother will already witness the actual performance of his son, no longer a mere video clip, for she will come home from Dubai to witness his son’s first attendance in the national gymnastics competition.
Growing up without his father on his sight, Lewis never considered it as a gloomy, depressing scenario because he has his affectionate, tender-hearted grandparents who filled the gap his father should have done. From his birthplace, Cagayan de Oro City, they moved back to Bohol for good when he was five years old. Her mother opted to work abroad to suffice their needs with his younger sister, Jennilyn. They were left under the care of their Lolo and Lola who taught them to become upright and disciplined apos.
During his tender age, Lewis already had the potential of a gymnast. He loved tumbling, jumping, swinging, and dancing. Actually, his parents were into dancing and gymnastics before; consequently, heredity speaks. His coach, Michael Ipanag, Valencia Central Elementary School persistently encouraged and trained Lewis to harness his skills in the said sports. He started joining gymnastics competition when he was in Grade 3.
Indeed, dreams do come true when you keep on working hard for them and never give up.
