Annie Ramirez at the Asian Beach Games. POC Media Pool
MANILA – Three-time JJIF World Champion Annie Ramirez is leaving nothing to chance as she chases another gold medal in the Asian Games — even though her preparation comes at a price.
So determined was Ramirez to level up her skills for the upcoming Asiad that she went as far as to borrow money to be able to train in the United States.
Ramirez, who ruled the 57kg weight class in Hangzhou 2022, trained in Atlanta, Georgia alongside her jiu-jitsu national teammates — IBJJF World Champion Alexandria Enrique, Jollirine Co and Marc Lim.
"Yung pagpunta kasi namin ng U.S., umutang pa ako just to get that money. Then, alam mo yun, medyo tight talaga," Ramirez told ABS-CBN News in an exclusive interview before they left for the US.
"Kumbaga parang for me, ginagawa ko yung best ko just to meet up kung ano kailangan ko preparation, di ba? So, I just hope na yung effort ko na yun is ma-reward ko pagdating ng tamang panahon," she added.
READ: World champs Ramirez, Custodio to headline PH jiu-jitsu team in Asiad
For the 35-year-old, it was important to bet on herself to ensure she gets the best opportunity to go for gold at the continental showcase.
"Nag-offer si Alex Enriquez, isa sa mga Fil-Am natin na kinausap niya yung coach niya para in preparation para sa Asian Games. So, it's a good opportunity for us to try some other aspect ng ano, di ba? Especially with Alex, galing siya sa high level din na gym," she shared.
"So for me, even though ang laki nung time difference, I decided to go there just to get a new ano, techniques or skills na possible na pwede namin ma-adapt while nandun," Ramirez added.
For the veteran, the money can be reimbursed. But for them to reach a higher level it really takes more time, more effort and eventually more resources on demand.
Ramirez likewise acknowledged the support from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.
The 35-year-old, who won gold at the Asian Championships and Asian Beach Games earlier this year, is pouring her focus on training for the next challenge ahead.
READ: At 35, Annie Ramirez continues to inspire others, win for PH
"Kasi yung preparation, nasa amin talaga eh. Wala ka parang hindi, kung mag-aantay kami na lumabas yung budget. It will take time. Parang yung oras hindi naman kami hihintay na kailangan magkakapera. So talagang mag-outsource ka just for a while para lang magawa mo yung dapat mong gawin in preparation," she said.
"Kasi pagdating ng competition, ikaw pa rin naman ang magbibigay ng time. Ikaw pa rin yung mag-allocate ng time. Ikaw pa rin yung maghahanda. At ikaw pa rin ang lalaro," Ramirez added.
For the decorated jiu-jitsu athlete, she would rather do everything to prepare, knowing that when the results are in, she will have no regrets.
"Kung pinaghandaan mo talaga. Sa abot na makakaya mo, eventually, pagdating ng tamang panahon, lalabas. At least wala akong pinagsisihan kasi binigay ko lahat. Wala akong, ay sana ganito, ay sana ganyan. So wala na akong mga what if. Kasi binigay ko naman lahat," she explained.
"Yun yung magiging ano ko, magiging takeaways ko. Yun yung i-lolook back ko during the matches, I guess, yung mga sakripisyo ko na yun, yung mga hirap ko na yun," Ramirez added.
Ramirez will compete in the women's -52kg division in the 20th Asiad, alongside teammate and Asiad bronze medalist Kaila Napolis.
"Na-try ko naman mag-weight cut early this year for the 52[kg]. Nakuha ko naman. Medyo nahihirapan lang ako around 400 grams. Pero I mean, nakuha pa rin. So, siguro by this time, mas alam ko na yung dapat kong gawin," Ramirez said.
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