Manila, Philippines — At the tender age of 10, Christine May Morales is already making waves in the world of fencing. Her passion for the sport, coupled with an unwavering determination, has set her on a path toward greatness. In an exclusive interview with this talented young athlete, we get a glimpse into her aspirations, training routine, and the invaluable life lessons she has learned through fencing.
For Christine’s mother, Glowy Manipol, the decision to introduce her daughter to fencing was driven by multiple factors. “First, I want her to have fun and have new friends. And she found that in fencing,” she explained. But it wasn’t just about enjoyment; it was about nurturing Christine’s overall development. “I want her to develop physical, emotional, and mental strength,” her mother emphasized. “Sports build character, teach and develop strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills, goal setting, and risk-taking, to name a few, which are all helpful in different life situations.”
When asked about her mindset, Christine exudes a maturity beyond her years. “To never give up, and if I ever lose… at least I learned something new,” she confidently states. Her resilience and determination shine through, demonstrating that she possesses the spirit of a true athlete. Christine’s ability to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth is a testament to her remarkable character.
The journey began when Christine was merely four years old, under the guidance of Coach Christian Canlas in Quezon City. Now, six years later at the age of ten, she continues to train diligently. Even during the challenging period of lockdowns, Coach Canlas ensured that the training didn’t halt by transitioning to online sessions. “Thanks to Coach Christian Canlas for his dedication and patience,” Christine’s mother gratefully acknowledged.
Christine’s training routine is rigorous and disciplined. She gives us a glimpse into her preparations, which involve a combination of physical exercises and technical training. “We would do stretching, jogging, and footwork,” she explains. These exercises lay the foundation for her agility and strength on the piste. “Then, after that, we would wear our fencing uniform and practice,” she adds, highlighting the importance of discipline and the ritual of donning her gear before each practice session.
For this young fencer, the world of competitions and the camaraderie of her fellow fencers hold immense appeal. “Competitions and friends,” she answers simply when asked about her favorite aspects of fencing. The thrill of competing and the bonds forged with like-minded individuals make every match and training session an unforgettable experience.
When asked about her goals, Christine’s aspirations are clear and ambitious. “To win a gold medal in the Olympics for the Philippines,” she confidently declares. Her dream is driven by a deep sense of national pride and a desire to put her country on the global fencing map. Additionally, Christine aims to secure a fencing scholarship to a prestigious educational institution. Her determination to excel not only in sports but also in academics is a testament to her well-rounded approach to life.
However, beyond the awards and accolades, fencing has instilled numerous positive attributes in young Christine. Her mother highlights her sense of purpose and belongingness, allowing her to find her place in the world. Moreover, the sport has nurtured resilience within her. “She remains positive in the face of adversity. She thinks analytically to easily cope and overcome a problem,” her mother shared with pride.
Through fencing, Christine is also learning valuable life lessons. She is discovering how to handle both victory and defeat with grace. “She is learning to deal with winning while remaining humble and with losing without losing hope,” her mother explained. Additionally, Christine is developing empathy and sportsmanship. “She is learning to sincerely celebrate the wins of others and to commiserate with those that have lost,” her mother added.
Through fencing, Christine has imbibed invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the confines of the sport. The challenges she faces on the piste teach her the importance of perseverance and resilience to overcome setbacks. Furthermore, Christine’s fencing journey has instilled in her a sense of sportsmanship and empathy. She has learned to celebrate the victories of others and support them in their defeats, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fair play.
Christine May Morales is a shining example of passion, determination, and ambition. Her young age has not hindered her pursuit of excellence, and her dreams of Olympic gold and a prestigious scholarship reflect her relentless drive. As she continues to hone her skills, Christine will undoubtedly inspire aspiring fencers and young athletes around the world. We eagerly await the day when she represents the Philippines on the international stage, showcasing her extraordinary talent and unwavering spirit to the world.