Sometimes, the greatest motivation for an athlete to rise to the top comes from facing personal struggles.
Eljey Tormis knows this all too well.
The standout Cebuano from the University of Santo Tomas had just led the Tiger Paddlers to a historic ‘five-peat’ last season, earning MVP honors along the way. Coming into UAAP Season 88, it seemed like nothing could stop him.
Tormis started the season strong, dominating the early matches for UST.
But when it came to the Finals series against Ateneo de Manila University, he hit a roadblock, splitting the two games 1-1. Thankfully, the Tiger Paddlers still retained the title, thanks to the collective effort of Tormis’ teammates.
For the fourth-year senior, however, the experience served as a humbling reminder not to let his guard down.
“Actually, this season I learned my lesson, because this season I’m not that well-prepared kasi hindi ako masyadong tinutukan ni coach kasi focused siya sa mga rookies,” said Tormis. “Kasalanan ko rin naman dahil binigyan ako ng task ni coach na mag-perform talaga and mag-training nang kusa.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Despite the setback, his talent and determination earned him a spot on the Philippine Table Tennis Federation squad for his second consecutive SEA Games in Thailand next month — a chance to reclaim his form and prove himself once more.
“For the upcoming SEA Games, lahat ng natutunan ko, dahan-dahan ko lang ulit gagawin. After this, starting next week, magte-train na ulit with the national team and, maybe, I’ll try to do more every day sa lahat ng ginagawa ko dati para mabalik ‘yung dati kong laro,” he shared.
Playing for the country is a dream for Tormis, and he is determined to repay the trust placed in him.
“Nagtiwala pa rin sila sa‘kin, so hindi ko iwe-waste ‘yon. This upcoming SEA Games, we’ll work as a team to bring honor to our country, and we’ll do our best,” said the Shim International School product.
“Siguro kasi last time, hindi kami gan’ong prepared. Ando’n ‘yung tapang sa laro pero hindi kami prepared. So for these SEA Games, pagbubutihan pa namin ‘yung preparation namin, and focus kami sa training,” he added.
“Don’t expect that much pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa‘min na gagalingan namin at focused po kami makapag-uwi ng medal, hindi lang po bronze, kundi silver o kaya gold.”
