SUCCESS continued for cancer survivor Daniela Dela Pisa.
In only her first Southeast Asian Games, Dela Pisa made waves by capturing the gold medal in the hoop of women’s rhythmic gymnastics on Saturday held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The 16-year-old also won two bronzes after finishing third in the ball and clubs.
Dela Pisa competed in the SEA Games just a year after she won four gold medals in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa — it was during that meet where she was discovered for the national team.
“Sobrang proud,” said the soft-spoken Dela Pisa from Cebu. “Sobrang speechless ako nung nalaman ko na naka-medal ako. Hindi ko inexpect na magkamedal dahil maraming magagaling.”
The gold medal came a decade after she won the battle against ovarian cancer. In an interview with SPIN.ph during the Palarong Pambansa, Dela Pisa’s mother Darlene recounted the battle her daughter as well as the family underwent.
“Para kaming namatayan. Hindi namin alam gagawin kundi umiyak na lang kami sa asawa ko,” said Darlene.
Read Dela Pisa’s story here.
Dela Pisa had very little to say about how she fought the deadly disease, but said she is already cancer-free.
Rather than recall that past, Dela Pisa preferred to savor the gold medal, which is the culmination of the hardwork and sacrifice she underwent. Prior to the SEA Games, Dela Pisa trained in Budapest for four months.
Dela Pisa said she was very surprised with her performance especially after tallying a score of 17.750.
“Na-shock po kasi ang taas. Hindi ko inexpect na ganun ang score ko. First time ko po,” said Dela Pisa.
“Hindi po ako umaasa na maka-medal,” said Dela Pisa.
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