It’s challenging to pursue an athletic goal while at the same time studying sports science at University of the Philippines (UP).
But it is what it is for Fierre Afan, who is eyeing to represent the country in the highest tournament abroad – the 2023 World Combat Games on Oct. 21 to 30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“It’s very tiring after training because I have to attend my class in UP for my scholarship,” the 19-year-old Afan said a few weeks after winning the United World Wrestling (UWW) United World Grappling Asian Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan last June.
“But I want to be successful so that’s okay.”
Afan, who is residing in Marikina City but spending his time training in Sucat, Parañaque City under the DEFTAC-Ribeiro gym believes he can do both things through the help of the people around him because World Combat Games is his dream tournament.
“First of all, I would like to thank all my teammates who encouraged me, salute to my teammates who believe in me all the time. I also want to have a college degree,” he added. “I won’t be around here if my teammates were not there to help me, and they are still here.”
He explained that the physical part is very hard to maintain, but the mental part is much harder because one must be sharp and ready all the time.
Afan made heads turn in Astana with a stunning win over Kazakhstan World Champion Artem Khvan in U-20 no-gi junior class.
He proved his victory over a well-decorated warrior was no fluke when he won two more golds in the junior category before settling for two silvers in the senior division.
“I strengthened my body physically and of course my mindset for 15 years, but it was the mental part which served to be the hardest.”
Alvin Aguilar, president of Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP), acknowledged Afan’s hard work and sacrifices and is convinced the young grappler has what it takes to become a world champion.
“We believe in Fierre, his hard work and sheer determination to succeed has been tested at his young age — and he just did it not once but twice already,” Aguilar said. “He will give our country more medals, gold medals, not just in the continental side but also in the world stage.”
