My First International Roller Ski Race: The Run

2025 August 4th

Standing at the start line, I could feel my heart pounding. After 20 days of training in the high desert—Apple Valley bike paths, behind Target parking lots, and finally the streets of Wrightwood—I was about to race on actual competition asphalt in Pyeongchang, Korea. And let me tell you, nothing prepares you for that mix of nerves and excitement.

As I clipped into my roller skis, I reminded myself: keep your balance, focus on your technique, and don’t look down. Easier said than done. Around me, seasoned competitors were stretching, checking gear, and casually chatting like this was just another day at the park. These were seasoned pros—some two or three time Olympians. Meanwhile, I was still trying to process the reality that I was here, representing the Philippines, racing against athletes who had years—decades—of experience.

The starting tones counted down.  I pushed off to start, my feet felt like cement blocks. Immediately, I realized just how fast this was going to be and I just wasn't ready. My arms were burning, my legs screaming, and my lungs threatening to explode. And then—bam! A tiny wobble sent me skidding dangerously close to the edge to toppling over. My heart jumped. Roller ski asphalt is unforgiving. A fall could mean serious road rash, and I wasn’t about to let that happen on my first international race.

But as the adrenaline surged, something amazing happened. I started to find a rhythm. My hockey balance kicked in, and all those last minute sessions in Wrightwood paid off. I was moving, fast, and—dare I say it?—gracefully. The fear didn’t disappear, but it transformed into focus.

By the time I crossed the finish line, I was exhausted, exhilarated, and humbled, but I had survived my first international roller ski race—a classic sprint. The results? I scored 994 FIS points. Awful? Absolutely. But a start. A first step on a journey that I hope will someday make history for the Philippines in cross-country skiing.

The journey had only just begun—and the goal? Making history, I will become the Philippines first Olympic Cross Country Skier!

To be continued.