Stripped of glory last year, Sep Placido gets payback in this year's Palaro

The Power of Resilience Sep Placido's Journey to Victory

Sep Blessee Placido has made headlines once again with an impressive victory in this year's Palarong Pambansa, breaking her own record in the 2000m walk race. This achievement is all the more remarkable given the setbacks she faced in previous competitions.

From Silver to Gold A Story of Perseverance

Just last year, Placido had been denied her rightful gold medal, leaving her feeling disappointed and deflated. Despite this setback, she refused to let it define her. Instead, she used it as an opportunity to build herself back up and focus on her goals.

A New Chapter Establishing a Record

Fast-forward to this year's Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, and Placido was determined to make a statement. She returned to the 2000m walk race with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. On Tuesday, May 27, at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium, Placido established a new record of 1015.15, eclipsing the previous record set by Laurize Jeanne Wangkay in 2018.

A Sense of Fulfillment

When asked about her achievement, Placido expressed her gratitude and sense of fulfillment. I'm so happy, and honestly, I still can't believe that I now hold the record, she said. In the past few Palaro competitions I joined, my coach and I were really aiming to break the record, especially back in Marikina where I was just a second away from it. Then in Cebu, which I'll never forget, I wasn't mentally prepared at all. But now, everything just fell into place. It's really God's perfect timing that I finally broke the record in my last Palaro.

A Month of Milestones

May has been a remarkable month for Placido. She started by posting a Philippine junior record in the women's 10,000-meter race walk at the Philippine Athletics Championships or National Open at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. Her time of 57 minutes and 55.90 seconds broke the 20-year-old record set by Maricel Diaz in 2005.

A Bronze Medal and a Sense of Humility

Placido's achievement earned her a bronze medal in the women's open elite category. When asked about breaking the junior record, she expressed her surprise and gratitude. Breaking the junior record wasn't easy at all. I didn't expect it to happen—especially not at the National Open. I had no expectations of breaking any record there, she said. My only goal was to enjoy the competition, since it was my first time joining the open elite category. I just wanted to go out there and have fun. That's why it felt even more fulfilling. I really didn't see it coming, but I'm super thankful to God, to my coach, and to my family for all their support.

Looking Ahead

As Placido closes her Palaro career, she is looking forward to defending her championship at the UAAP Season 88 2000m and 5000m walk race later this year. She also holds the record of 101532 in the 2000m race. For UAAP Season 88, I want to defend my titles in the 2000m and 5000m walk. I'm also aiming to break my own record there, she said.

Lessons Learned

Sep Placido's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of disappointment and adversity, we have the ability to rise above and achieve great things. As we look to the future, we can learn from Placido's example and apply her qualities of perseverance and dedication to our own lives.

This revised version aims to maintain the original tone while refining grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for improved readability.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.