At just thirteen, Sagradan Viking Azula Elise “Z” Villanueva carried the weight of her dreams, proving that age is merely a number in the pursuit of excellence.
In a breathtaking final event on July 11 at the fiery Cebu City Sports Complex, Villanueva etched her name in the annals of Palarong Pambansa 2024. As the youngest member of her four-person team, with two members nearing 18, Villanueva exhibited poise beyond her years, helping secure a coveted bronze medal in the 4×50 meter medley relay with a swift time of 2 minutes and 0.787 seconds.
“Relays are different from individual events as you all need to work as a team to gain that podium finish,” Villanueva explained as she highlighted her steadfast teammates, Cruz, Sarmiento, and Ortigera, who represented Central Luzon alongside her.
“Masaya po akong naka-bronze (medal) ang team namin,” she further beamed.
Her journey to podium glory began earlier this year at the Central Luzon Regional Athletic (CLRAA) Meet in New Clark City, where she won the 50-meter breaststroke, claimed silver in the 4×50 medley relay, and seized bronze in the 4×100 medley relay for secondary girls.
Under the guidance of Coach John Michael Tangon and School Coach Leomar Pago, Villanueva’s training regimen has instilled a mantra of perseverance: “Perfect each stroke and never give up.”
As expansive as the seas she aims to conquer, Villanueva now sets her sights on training for the SEA Age Swimming Championships in Thailand, honing her craft with a dedication to perfecting her breaststroke technique.
“Inspired po akong ma-qualify sa iba’t iba pang athletic meets and international meets to represent the school MDSF,” she shared.
According to Z, her favorite post-race treat is indulging in french fries.
By: Reinlois Felipe