An Unforgettable Battle for Gold – A First Division Meet Journey

 

A Division Meet is more than a competition – it is a proving ground where young athletes discover their strength, discipline, and passion. At the recent Division Meet held at Bulua National High School, a student-athlete from Niña Maria Learning Center, Crystal Hersh Lustre, experienced this milestone for the very first time.

Crystal and her teammates arrived early, before 8:00 a.m., giving them enough time to settle in and witness the opening ceremony at San Roque Elementary School without rushing. The program showcased various categories, including Poomsae Taekwondo and Aerobic Taekwondo exhibitions. Since her event, Poomsae, was scheduled later in the day, she spent the morning stretching, warming up, and sharing light conversations with her teammates to ease the pressure.

Program delays tested the patience of parents and participants, yet everyone remained hopeful. Despite the long wait, the athletes continued preparing themselves mentally and physically until their turn finally came.

By 12:00 noon, the Poomsae competition wrapped up, and preparations began for the Kappa Taekwondo fast rounds, particularly the Level 1 and Level 2 matches. At 1:00 p.m., grade school female competitors were called to the match area. Crystal faced two blue-belt contenders from the East Division—and triumphed in both matches.

After the games, the team enjoyed a simple meal at Angel’s Burger before returning to Bulua National High School for the awarding ceremony. There, the young Crystal proudly received a gold medal—a shining symbol of her hard work, patience, and dedication.

In the end, every ounce of pressure, every hour of waiting, and every moment of preparation proved worthwhile. The Division Meet became more than a quest for victory; it became a journey of personal growth, teamwork, and resilience. Gold was the goal, but grit became the true reward.

This experience shaped a new young champion—one who now understands that success is not only found in winning the match, but in enduring the wait, overcoming doubt, facing pressure, and still standing strong for the medal.

Text by: Crystal Hersh Lustre, Grade 6 – Maissonneuve

Photos: Liza Nalla, Adviser of Grade 2 – Du Terrail