MANILA, Philippines – A 13-year-old Grade 7 student from Matag-ob National High School in Matag-ob, Leyte, impressed and inspired many after winning a silver medal in the secondary girls' 3,000m competition held at the Cebu City Sports Center Track Oval during the Palarong Pambansa 2024. She achieved this feat running barefoot.
Moreover, Chrishia Mae Tajarros is also the first athlete from Eastern Visayas to bring home a medal. According to an interview with Chrishia's coach, Coach Darlyn Rea Azucenas, the student athlete is accustomed to running barefoot.
 |
| Photo courtesy: The Freeman /HEADZ UP! NEGOR NEWS (Facebook) |
"They are used to running barefoot even when they joined the ASEAN Games in Vietnam. They feel that they run faster when they are not wearing spikes," he said.
Her other coach, Coach Damaso Oledan Jr., said that they do not neglect the child.
“Mas hiyang talaga siya pag naka-barefoot kaysa nakasapatos o naka-spiked shoes, pero hindi po ibig sabihin na pinapabayaan namin ‘yong mga bata lalo na ‘yong mga taga-Leyte Sports Academy,” Oledan said.
This is Tajarros’ debut at the Palarong Pambansa, where she secured a silver medal. She dedicated her victory to her family, expressing her happiness in being able to support them and stating her goal to compete again and win the gold medal next time.
She was supposed to participate in last year’s Palaro in Marikina but faced registration issues due to problems with her PSA birth certificate, preventing her from competing in the elementary category.
Despite encountering various challenges and hardships, Tajarros stayed determined and expressed gratitude towards her coach and family for their support and encouragement during her training.
The gold medal was won by Asia Paraase from Central Visayas, while Mary Jane Pagayon from the Davao Region secured the bronze medal.
Congratulations to all the winners!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
