NOT today, not ever.
Even at the height of his battle with cancer, 19-year-old Yvan Amposta never let his bout with the deadly disease dampen his dreams of pursuing an athletic career.
His athletic roots run deep. Son of former rowing national athlete Alvin Amposta, Yvan started playing basketball at the age of five, and began competing in local inter-school leagues from elementary all the way up to senior high school.
The kid had high hopes and big dreams for himself. In his last year in secondary level, he was named the team captain of the St. Edwards School basketball varsity in Lancaster, Imus, Cavite.
In September of last year — on their first game in a major competition — his father Alvin, who was part of the team's coaching staff, blew the whistle on him after only three minutes and ordered him back to the bench.
Yvan didn’t understand why. But Alvin had noticed a difference in his appearance and posture.
“Big game namin at captain ball ako, kaka-start pa lang biglang pina-sub na ako, so nagalit ako. Sabi ni Daddy, nangingitim daw ang mukha ko, namumutla, kaya binench na ako. After that, nagpa-checkup na kami. ‘Nung lumabas ‘yung resulta, sabi emergency case, admission agad,” he told SPIN Life.
And so began the toughest battle Yvan has ever had to face.
The medical results came back. Yvan had a malignant tumor surrounding his heart and lungs. He couldn't believe it at first. After all, hadn't he been living a healthy and active lifestyle since he was a kid?
“Syempre, nalungkot ako. Last playing year ko na ‘yon. Chance ko na sana na may mapatunayan. Sobrang heartbreaking,” he continued.
Doctors advised him to take a break from heavy sports activities and focus on his treatment. Yvan revealed that the hardest part he has had to endure was months of chemotherapy and radiation.
Every two weeks, he showed up for treatment.
“Pinakamahirap na naranasan ko is yung effect ng chemo sakin, kakaiba talaga siya. Nanghihina katawan ko," he said.
Just so he could keep sweating, his father bought him a stationary bike.
Eventually, he’s learned to accept his condition and even translated his in-game attitude as an athlete to the current battle he’s facing with cancer.
“Naging mindset ko is ‘yung chemo ko parang ‘yun ang games, tapos ‘yung two weeks in between ang preparation. ‘Nung time na ‘yon, ‘yun ang tinatak ko sa utak ko,” he narrated. “’Pag atleta ka, marami kang nararanasang sakit pero tinitiis mo lang, dinala ko ‘yon sa journey ko rito — ‘yung positive mindset, and ‘yung pag-trust sa process.”
The 5-foot-8 Amposta endured the harsh side effects of chemotherapy from October to March, and just ended his radiation last month. Now, the closest he's gotten to being cancer-free, he just needs to undergo one last examination this August.
Throughout his medication process, his bike trainer has become his best friend. He’s fell in love with it so much that he’s made up his mind to switch his main sport from basketball to triathlon.
His only problem? He doesn’t have that much background in competitive swimming.
Luckily, just yesterday, an executive from Swim Bike Run PH — moved by his Twitter post that went viral last weekend — offered him a chance to train in the sport. Hopefully, the message said, they may offer Amposta a slot for a 2021 multisport program.
“Nung nag-start ako mag-bike trainer, unti-unti akong namulat na masarap din pala mag-bike," said Yvan, who already has a background doing marathons. "Pero kailangan ko pang matutunan ‘yung swimming.”
Now that he’s able, he's back to pursuing his athletic dreams. He’s beginning to train like he’s never stopped at all. Just last weekend, he even took on a 92-kilometer climb to Kaybiang Tunnel with his dad.
Equipped with the mindset of a champion, Yvan believes it’s sky’s the limit for anyone who has goals, regardless of any obstacle they have to face.
And for anyone who needs to hear it, the cancer survivor left some words of wisdom to share: “Always find a way to pursue your passion. Isipin mo lagi kung ano ‘yung kaya mong gawin, at ‘wag ‘yung mga nawala sa’yo. Tiyaga lang, maaabot mo rin ang pangarap mo.”
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