Kazakhstan: Racing Alone, Learning Fast

2025 September 3rd

Kazakhstan was the final stop of the 2025 Asian Cup, and it came with its own set of surprises—starting before I even hit the course. When I landed in Schuchinsk, the airline had lost my ski bag. Not exactly the start you dream of for an international race. Thankfully, the event organizers were kind enough to let me borrow equipment so I could at least get some practice in until my gear finally arrived. It wasn’t ideal, but in this sport you learn fast that flexibility is just as important as strength.

This trip was also different in another way: I was alone. Selina couldn’t get time off work to join me, and none of my Filipino teammates or coaches were able to make the trip either. Funding for this sport in the Philippines is limited right now, and that meant I was the lone representative—carrying not just my own goals, but also the pride of being the only Filipino on the start line.

And wow—this was no small crowd. Unlike Korea, Kazakhstan drew nearly double the number of athletes, making the competition deeper and more intense. The nerves were real, but so was the determination.

The results? Honestly, they gave me hope. In the 10K free skate, I scored 482 FIS points, a solid jump forward from Korea. My sprint also improved, down to 673 points. That’s progress I could feel, especially considering that I’d only been on roller skis for about nine weeks at this point.

Standing at the finish line, completely spent, I couldn’t help but smile. I wasn’t just showing up anymore—I was getting better. These numbers weren’t podium-worthy yet, but they were proof that I belonged here and that with training, coaching, and time, I could continue to climb.

Racing alone in Kazakhstan taught me a lot about resilience. I learned how to handle setbacks, how to adapt when things don’t go to plan, and how to keep moving forward even when you’re the only one wearing your nation’s colors. It was a lonely trip in some ways, but also empowering. I realized that no matter where this journey takes me, I’m willing to put in the work—because progress, no matter how small, feels incredible.

Next stop: Japan, to get more experience, this time with even more focus. Kazakhstan wasn’t just the end of the Asian Cup—it was the beginning of believing that this crazy dream might actually be possible.

To be continued…