From banana cue vendor to gold medalist
FROM BANANA CUE VENDOR TO GOLD MEDALIST – The inspiring tale of John Lloyd Caballo who was named a champion during the UAAP season 85 caught the attention of netizens.
Various social media pages have featured the track and field competitor who won the 4400 mixed relay during the aforementioned competition following the revelation that he sold banana cue while still a youngster,
Cabalo was residing in Puerto Princesa when his teacher noticed his talent for running. Then, he was invited to attend school in Metro Manila. In an interivew, he shared that he once used his talent running as a member of a “gangster” serving as his group’s “starter.”
“Nakikipaghabulan po ako sa amin sa mga gang doon. Ako po ‘yung starter nila. Panghabol nila. Kunwari po, sa lugar namin, siksikan tapos kapag pupunta ka ng ibang lugar, ako ‘yung (sasabihan ng), ‘Sapakin mo, sabay takbo ka lang,’” he shared.
Eventually, he decided to leave his gang after being encouraged by the teacher who discovered him. “May isang teacher na nagsabi sa akin na sumali ako sa takbo, may magandang future daw ako kesa maging basagulero ako,” said Caballo.
He did not waste the opportunity and accepted the offer to become part of National University track and field team. Now, he’s a successful athlete winning gold medals.
“Sobrang thankful din ako kasi sobrang nabago buhay ko sa paglalaro nito. Nakapag-aral ako sa Manila, nakakatulong ako sa mama ko. Hindi na siya gumagastos sa akin. Sarili ko na lang din iniisip ko,” he said.
Presently, he’s preparing for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games qualifying which will be held in Cambodia.
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