By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Juggling time between studying, taking masters degree, and training by her lonesome in London is no joke – tough and challenging.
So it requires a great amount of time, patience, and perseverance that there were days karateka idol Jamie Lim cried because of the stress brought about by her tight schedule.
But her balancing act resulted to tears of joy after reclaiming the gold medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games here Sunday, May 7, at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center here.
And if father Samboy Lim is in the pink of health, the PBA legend will certainly show off his biceps like he used to do in appreciation to Jamie’s gold medal performance.
Jamie also made the right decision to take another chance at competing in the biennial meet for her love to her sport, and of course to the country.
“I’ve been crying about it because I’ve been stressed about balancing school and training. Now, I’m just so happy that it all paid off,” said Lim, who is determined to finish her Masters Degree in Business Analytics at the prestigious Imperial College London.
More than winning another gold for the country, Lim successfully redeemed herself after settling for bronze in the women’s -61kg kumite the last time.
“Akala ko hindi na ako makakapag-karate at least for the year that I’m studying, but this year, nag-decided ako na SEA Games is happening again and I want to take the chance again,” she said.
A typical day for Lim prior to the SEAG goes is to get a good sleep, wake up early, go to gym and cry.
“I wake up, go to the gym, study, then cry because of the stress, then balik sa gym, aral, tulog… so hindi na ako nakakalabas,” she said.
But all those sacrifices and tears were wiped away once she took the gold medal at the podium and proudly showed it to some PH officials and athletes who witnessed the kind of stuff she have –a champion’s pedigree.
“It was so worth it,” Lim said.
