Before former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang became a local mixed martial arts icon, he was one of the most decorated national athletes for the Philippines.
During his time on the Philippine National Wushu Team, Folayang grabbed three gold medals and two silver medals the Southeast Asian Games.
As the SEA Games continue in the Philippines, the 36-year-old looked back on his days of representing the country in the biennial event.
“It’s an amazing feeling. You really feel your love for your country — that’s how I felt when I first won the SEA Games back in 2003 in Vietnam,” Folayang said.
“I love the feeling when the national anthem plays, and everyone stops to pay respect to your flag. It’s a different feeling altogether — just stopping everything and feeling proud as they raise your flag.”
Only 19 years old when he first competed in the Games, Folayang certainly gave up a lot to succeed in the sport.
For one, his studies had to be put to the side, as he focused entirely on the task at hand.
“What makes it better are the sacrifices. You’ve given a lot, you’ve committed to give it your all, and that’s what makes it truly unforgettable,” Folayang said.
“I stopped my studies just for me to focus. Then instead of enjoying being a bachelor, I had to sacrifice for a specific goal. Those are just some of the things you have to do when you represent the flag.”
As of Thursday evening, the Philippines is currently leading the pack with 113 gold medals.
But despite the continuous success of the country, “Landslide” hopes his compatriots remember the essence of the Games.
“I hope we don’t forget the purpose of the SEA Games — it’s not about just being good,” Folayang said.
“It’s about being united and being one. That’s what we want to happen and that’s why competitions like this are made. I hope we don’t forget why we’re doing this.”
For one last time this year, ONE Championship returned to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS at the Axiata Arena on December 6.
The preliminary card begins on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the ONE Super App at 6:00pm Philippine Standard Time (PHT).
To watch the main card, turn to ABS-CBN S+A at 8:30pm PHT.
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