The bemedalled Margaret
During her graduation with dad Hector, mom Mary Julie
Chin-chin
* This bemedalled athlete, good daughter, intelligent and active student, is working her way towards her goal --- playing in the Olympics
* To remain competitive and in winning form, Margaret practices swimming daily for almost two hours. She covers 5,000 meters or 5 kilometers a day either at the Iloilo Sports Complex or the John B. Lacson Colleges Maritime University
At the young age of 12, Margaret Mallo is already very competitive especially in swimming, a sport she tremendously excels in.
In fact, at the age of six, she won 10 gold medals in the Governor's Cup held in Dumaguete, making her one of the country's most bemedalled athlete. Since then, she'd been bringing home medals in swimming. At the Palarong Pambansa held in Naga City, she won one silver and one bronze medal. At the same competition in Koronadal, she won one silver medal and on the third holding of such, she won one gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Only she, from Western Visayas, has given the region gold in swimming.
Bagging the Gold for 50-meter breastroke in the Palarong
Pambansa, Palawan.
Her national record is winning a gold for the 6 and Under Age Group during the Batang Pinoy 2002 competition in Palawan. She competed in the 50-meter breaststroke.
Of course, her parents Mary Julie and Hector Mallo are very proud of her accomplishments. Mr. Mallo said that Margaret is their source of inspiration. "I learned the value of humility from her," he said. He admitted that he had been pushing her hard, causing some arguments once in a while. But that's normal. "I realized that even without me during her competitions, she could perform very well. Like the one in Palawan where she felt at ease and relaxed," he added.
To remain competitive and in winning form, Margaret practices swimming daily for almost two hours. She covers 5,000 meters or 5 kilometers a day either at the Iloilo Sports Complex or the John B. Lacson Colleges Maritime University. She also practices with her teammates from the Aquasports Association of Iloilo. She also exercises at home, indulges in eating well but avoids softdrinks, junk foods and sweets.
Athletes from Wesern Visayas anxd their parents.
Before or during a competition, she prepares her mind in order to perform well. "I do this by saying to myself, 'I can do this. I am the best'," My parents also instilled in me to think of happy thoughts. Not so much on the matter of winning so that there won't be any pressure," she said.
"Everytime I win, I'm so happy that my sacrifices paid off," she beamed.
If she's not busy with school and practice, Margaret helps in the chores at home, busies herself with texting, the Internet and reading. She's a nature lover and her favorite destination is the beach. She snorkels, too and would like to try scuba diving someday.
Athletes with a crocodile in Palawan
Mr. Mallo revealed that Margaret is very good in declamation and the school would field her as its player in competitions. That is, if it won't be in conflict with swimming, which is a priority. She has won in Filipino and English declamations for several years.
She is also a potential student leader, being active in the Student Government since Grade 3.
Her success in sports and other areas is proof that the former cannot get in the way of one's studies and other activities. "This serves as an inspiration to others that with discipline, you can't neglect your studies because of sports," she said.
In fact, she's ready to take on another challenge. She is an incoming student of the Philippine Science High School. We all know that this is a very competitive school that produces excellent students. "I chose to be with PSHS because it is another environment of learning for me. I'd like to play in another playground," she said. She graduated high school from the Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus recently.
Margaret, a bemedalled athlete, good daughter, intelligent and active student, is working her way towards her goal --- playing in the Olympics.