BY NICK GIONGCO
Thanks to the wonders of technology, elite athletes who receive nutritional directives from dietitian Jeaneth Aro
continue to train even amid lockdown conditions owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
From an Olympic silver medalist and a long-reigning world boxing champion, Aro remains heavily involved during the workouts of lifter Hidilyn Diaz and Jerwin Ancajas as well as the TNT basketball team, national boxers, select taekwondo jins and members of the rowing squad.
“Overall lahat ng mga atleta na hawak ko na may pjnaghahandaan na laro na na-cancel or rescheduled ay tuloy-tuloy ang self training like TNT, ABAP, Taekwondo and Rowing,” said Aro, who relies on the internet in relaying messages to his topnotch talents.
“Pinagpapasa sila ng training vids sa mga respective chat groups namin. Yun mga naka-dorm/house under ng PSC/NSA tuloy-tuloy din ang nutrition programs nila. Nakakatuwa lang na sa kabila ng lahat ng ito ay ginagawa parin nila ang trabaho nila, junior, amateur, elite or professional athlete man.”
Diaz is still outside the country, in Malaysia, to be specific, while Ancajas is in Magallanes, Cavite.
Diaz was in the thick of preparations so she could formally secure an Olympic berth but the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games has left her in a limbo.
Because of travel restrictions, Diaz can’t book a flight back to Manila.
Ancajas was supposed to make the ninth defense of the International Boxing Federation super-flyweight crown on April 11 in Las Vegas and was about to board a plane bound for the US when travel was halted and his fight postponed.
Aro insists she has confidence in Diaz and Ancajas and the others to comply with their respective programs.
“Naka-flexible eating regimen sila parehas dahil mahirap talaga mag-source ng specific ingredients ngayon dahil sa quarantine. Meron sila limit sa weight gain (Jerwin at 140lbs and HD at 59kgs which are their normal walking weights) saka more on meeting micronutrients sila para hindi magkasakit. They all have to be in their optimum so they won’t get sick,” said Aro.
Despite the distance, Aro is confident they are going to perform their duties to the letter.
“Yung disiplina nila na nagdala sa kanila kung nasaan sila ngayon bilang atleta ay yun din ang nag-sustain sa kanila ngayon sa pagsubok na ito.”
“I know they are responsible adults and athletes,” she added.
In these trying times, Aro offers not just her expertise but a touch of TLC as well.
