An Ilongga clinched a gold medal and three bronze medals in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Para Games in Thailand.
Marlyn Garrucho, 38 years old, bagged a total of four medals in the recent 13th ASEAN Para Games.
Marlyn snagged a gold medal and a bronze medal in the individual events in the Wheelchair Women’s Sabre category, and another two bronze medals in the team events.
“Para sa akon, ginapangamuyo ko nga ma-overcome ko lang gid ang tawag nga competition kay wala gid. Bisan coach namon, gasiling ang coach namon nga enjoy lang kamo, first competition,” Marlyn said.
It was in 2005 when her path changed direction. She said that a truck she was riding in figured in an accident that damaged her right leg.
Prior to the incident, she was a varsity softball player. After the accident, she took a rest for nearly a decade. But she said she never lost her interest in sports and the desire to start all over again.
In 2019, she was given the opportunity to compete in the Para Games in the javelin throw event. However, this competition was only up to the national level.
During the pandemic, she tried other sporting events such as triathlon, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, and bowling. However, she felt she has not reached her full potential yet. Until in 2024, she was offered an opportunity to take part in the fencing team.
After the training, she proceeded to compete internationally and succeeded.
“Pila man ka year nga naisip ko nga may ara ayhan nga sports nga sa mga PWDs [person with disability]?” Marlyn said.
Her mother, Vivian Garrucho, went emotional at her daughter’s achievement. She said she witnessed how her daughter made it a goal to embrace the sporty life again and compete.
“Syempre happy ako gid eh. Grabe happy ko gid. Ano bala, tapos amo pa na utod tiil ya,” Vivian said.
Marlyn encourages other differently abled persons who desire to take on sports, and compete, to never stop just because of the disability, to seek training, and to never lose hope.
As of this writing, Marlyn is preparing for her next international competitions.
