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Jaryse Morgan Ibal: A Rising Star from Baguio City

Jaryse Morgan Ibal’s athletic journey is one of dedication, versatility, and perseverance. Hailing from the cool, misty highlands of Baguio City, Jaryse has already achieved a remarkable track record at a young age, showcasing her versatility in swimming, aquathlon, and Obstacle Course Racing (OCR). With a solid support system of dedicated coaches and the encouragement of her family, she has emerged as a young athlete to watch out for in the coming years. Her story is not just one of talent but also of adaptability and growth in the face of unexpected challenges.

The Early Days: Tennis Enthusiast to Multi-Sport Athlete

Jaryse’s journey into sports began with her initial passion for tennis. At the time, she was an eager young player, excited to learn and improve her skills on the court. However, like many young athletes, her plans took a detour during the COVID-19 pandemic. When lockdowns and restrictions were imposed, the tennis courts closed, and many sports activities for kids came to a standstill. Adding to this, Jaryse’s mother gave birth to her younger brother, which brought changes to their daily routine.

Not wanting to let Jaryse’s energy and enthusiasm for sports wane, her parents decided to enroll her in a “Learn to Swim” program. Their intention was simple: to teach her a life skill that could also keep her engaged. Little did they know that this small decision would unlock a whole new world of possibilities for Jaryse. Under the guidance of Coach Allan Kalayaan Manialung, what started as a basic swimming class quickly revealed Jaryse’s hidden potential.

A Natural in the Water: Discovering Talent with Coach Kal

After just three months of swimming lessons, Jaryse’s parents were ready to withdraw her from the program, believing she had already gained enough swimming proficiency. However, Coach Allan, recognizing something extraordinary in her, urged them to reconsider. He saw in Jaryse a unique combination of talent and drive that set her apart. His advice: “Wag siya patigilin kasi may potential yung bata,” he told them. That simple insistence marked a turning point in Jaryse’s young athletic career.

Taking Coach Allan’s advice, Jaryse continued training, and within nine months, she was ready for her first major swimming competition at New Clark City. The event, which drew over 600 participants, was a significant step up for the young athlete. Her family didn’t set any high expectations, considering it was her debut. But Jaryse surprised everyone, clinching multiple medals and earning the prestigious “Most Outstanding Swimmer” award. It was at that moment that her family realized Jaryse was not just an active child but a gifted athlete who thrived on competition and excellence.

Broadening Her Horizons: From Swimming to Aquathlon and OCR

Riding on the momentum of her success in swimming, Jaryse began to expand her horizons. Under the continued guidance of Coach Allan, she was introduced to aquathlon—a sport combining swimming and running. This new discipline proved to be a perfect fit for her emerging athletic prowess, allowing her to leverage her strengths in the water and develop her running skills. As she grew more competitive, her parents sought further support to help Jaryse refine her abilities.

Enter Coach Sandi Menchi Abahan, an internationally recognized OCR and Spartan champion, and Coach Sisa Mae Caronongan, a highly respected running coach. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise that would elevate Jaryse’s performance to new heights. They worked on polishing her running form, focusing on every detail from her stride length to arm swing, transforming her from a swimmer dabbling in running to a formidable competitor in her own right.

Finding Her Stride: Success in OCR and Running

The transition to OCR was a challenging but rewarding one for Jaryse. The sport demands not only speed and endurance but also agility and strength to overcome various obstacles. With guidance from Coach Sandi and Coach Sisa, Jaryse’s development in running became the focal point of her training. She competed in numerous events, showing promise but often finishing just shy of the podium.

Her breakthrough came at the 5th Hobby Expo Run. After several near-misses where she would consistently place fourth, Jaryse finally clinched her first podium finish in the run category. It was a moment of triumph, symbolizing the culmination of months of hard work, patience, and perseverance. Her growth in running not only improved her OCR performance but also boosted her confidence, affirming that she belonged among the best in her age group.

The Future Beckons: From Local Competitions to National Stage

Currently, Jaryse serves as an ambassadress for Vifit, a role that highlights her potential and growing presence in the local sports community. As a young athlete balancing independent homeschooling with rigorous training, she exemplifies discipline and focus. Her success across multiple sports disciplines is a testament to her adaptability, strong work ethic, and passion for pushing her limits.

But Jaryse’s journey is just beginning. With her exceptional talents nurtured by experienced mentors and an unwavering family support system, she is poised to make her mark not just in local competitions but potentially on a national stage. Whether in swimming, aquathlon, OCR, or running, Jaryse Morgan Ibal is a name that will continue to be associated with excellence, resilience, and the spirit of youth overcoming challenges.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Jaryse’s story is one that resonates deeply, not only because of her accomplishments but because of the underlying message it conveys: every child has potential waiting to be unlocked. With the right guidance, encouragement, and opportunities, they can achieve great things. As Jaryse continues to grow and evolve as an athlete, she serves as an inspiration to young aspiring athletes across the country, proving that even the most unexpected beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.