Enjoying life to the fullest, 21-year-old skateboarder Rycelle Grace Abarico’s life motto comes true after landing a gold medal in the Thailand Tropical Downhill Race 2023, held last November 25–26 at Khao E-to, Prachinburi.
The semis round was divided into two groups; only Abarico advanced from semis group A. She competed in the final round against two skateboarders from semi-group B: Nawapan Aung-insombut and Xiaoling Pend.
Outstandingly being one of the two women athletes in the Philippines, her first-time triumph in winning the open women category truly deserves the grand prize of 25,000 Thai Baht.
Abarico started her skateboarding career at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games; her preliminary time performance was no question, finishing the first round with 1 minute and 33 seconds and the second round with 1 minute and 34 seconds.
However, during the last wave of the match, she accidentally collided with her teammate Abigail Palomeno Viloria, but managed to secure third place and win a gold medal.
On October 28, Abarico experienced another accident while skating in Malita, Davao Oriental, with her father. She was immobilized after breaking a blood vessel, and her doctor advised her to undergo surgery.
Yet amidst it all, Abarico’s spirit remained strong, as her 2023 performance showed big improvement with greater strength, finishing both her preliminary rounds with 1 minute and 39 seconds safely.
Abarico was not only transparent about her struggles as an athlete but also enabled herself to learn from her mistakes to reach golden glory. Just remember, there is always a first for everything.
Photo Credit:
https://www.instagram.com/adelleociraba
https://www.instagram.com/adelleociraba
