By: Nicole Parallag
LAOAG, Ilocos Norte — Sep Placido’s Cinderella story reached its triumphant finale as the 2000m walkathoner not only captured the gold medal but also shattered the Palarong Pambansa record.
Sometimes, the most meaningful victories aren’t just measured by medals or scoreboard tallies—they’re found in the moments of redemption, resilience, and personal transformation. For Placido, last year’s heartbreak at the Palaro became the driving force behind her determined quest for a comeback.
Clocking in at an impressive 10:15.15, Placido broke the longstanding record of 10:44.24 set by Laurize Jeanne Wangkay back in 2018. But before reaching this historic milestone, the Junior Red Warrior endured a journey marked by setbacks that continually tested her resolve.
She recalled the disappointment of last year’s Palaro, where she missed out on the top podium finish due to a rule revision that upended her chances.
“May takot parin sakin kasi dalawang taon ko na hindi nakuha ‘yung record. From my last Palaro, I was really working and aiming hard for this record. Andun parin ‘yung kaba sakin na baka mangyari ulit ‘yung nangyari sakin sa Cebu, pero lagi ko na lang iniisip na God is with me,” she shared.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Instead of letting the setback define her, Placido chose to rise again. At the UAAP Season 87 Athletics Tournament, she made a stunning return, establishing a new record in the same event and seizing the gold.
“Last year ko na din po maglalaro for juniors so talagang I want to leave a history and a new record for this Season 88 for both my 2000m and 5000m events. In God’s will, ma-break ko pa ‘yung record na set ko in Season 87.”
Despite the weight of expectations and the pressure of competition, the 17-year-old found strength in her coaches’ unwavering support. Their belief in her helped her stay focused and grounded in her purpose.
“‘Yung paulit-ulit na sinasabi sakin ni Coach (Saturnino Salazar) tuwing nagda-doubt ako is ‘yung may tiwala siya sakin. May tiwala siya na mabre-break ko ‘yung record.”
And indeed, break it she did.
