Cherry May Regalado has come a long way from winning beauty pageants to become one of Asia’s top athletes.
Her disappointing show in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Games has made Regalado more determined and patient as she increased her practice time.
“Hindi ko napigilan ang pag-iyak noong 2017 SEA Games (in Kuala Lumpur) kasi po alam ko na magkaka-medal ako,” said Regalado, who placed fourth in the Malaysia games.
“Hindi po ako nag-give up at sinabi ko po sa sarili ko na patutunayan ko sa kanila na nagkamali sila ng judging.”
In less than a year, she ruled the Asian Games Invitational Tournament in Indonesia before taking the bronze medal in the women’s seri singles during theb Palembang Asian Games.
But there’s one achievement she’s still aching to accomplish – win a Southeast Asian Games gold.
“Alam ko po na marami pang pagkakataon na ibibigay sakin. Tiwala lang po sa sarili,” said the 24-year-old Regalado, who hails from Banga, Aklan.
That chance has presented itself in the coming biennial meet, which the Philippines is hosting from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
“As of now, we are almost in the finishing touches of our routines. Maintaining the endurance, stability and proving the speed and power,” said the pretty, former beauty pageant winner, who is probably facing the biggest challenge of her life.
“In my case, I’m also dealing with a knee injury. This is the greatest challenge that I have to face everyday. How I’m gonna perform and improve myself without making my injury worse. But I just always tell myself not to lose hope and never ever give up, a few more steps and “Inshallah, I will take the gold medal as my comeback statement,'” vowed Regalado.
