LEGAZPI CITY – In Tubli, Caramoran, Catanduanes, young Jhon Michael “Bunso” Nazareno transformed his seaside village into a training ground, turning early mornings in open waters into national-level triumph.
At the 2026 Palarong Bicol, Nazareno captured the gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle elementary boys’ division with a time of 5:25.62 on March 2. He also earned silver in the 200-meter freestyle and 4×100 freestyle relay, drawing pride and inspiration from his hometown.
Coach Joey Antonio emphasized that building swimmers in Tubli requires more than skill—it demands sacrifice. With no standard pool, most practice sessions occur in the ocean, and sometimes in the river or at Awinis Falls. “We train wherever water allows,” Antonio said, recalling how villagers installed lights after witnessing late-night practices.
Trips to proper pools in Virac, nearly 70 kilometers away, add financial and logistical challenges, but Antonio remains committed. “Even when tired, I keep the promise I made to the children,” he said.
Nazareno wasn’t always a frontrunner. He earned only a bronze medal in the previous provincial meet and initially struggled to keep pace with top swimmers like Neo Sahjey Antonio. But his dedication—training during school breaks and showing eagerness to improve—set him apart.
A twist of fate gave him the chance to shine when Neo suffered a knee injury. Assigned to the long-distance events, Bunso quickly proved his potential. “He was teachable, motivated, and improving fast. I knew he had a shot at nationals,” Antonio said.
Now, the young swimmer’s triumph is a story of perseverance, community effort, and unyielding spirit, inspiring other children in Tubli to dive into their dreams.
elamigo/
