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• ATHLETE'S FEET
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Rockin' the pool like a rockstar
The Hypersuperman
02.12.2008|Aeron Valderrama |
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Kendrick's mother, Kathy, needed to undergo surgery in April of the current year. Ken chose to fly to Manila to attend to his mom. Coach Mark Joseph, president of the Phillipine Amateur Swimming Association told him they cannot afford to send Ken to any future qualifying meets for the Olympics. The news is a blessing in disguise for UP VST and its goal. Kendrick is back and he can help the Men's Swimming team conquer the competition for its sixth straight title in the UAAP.
Come competition time, however, the UP Maroon tankers failed to deliver its promise of a six-peat. Although there are some bright spots. Ken, on his part, had broken records en route to wining golds and annexing some silver finishes. He established the standard for the 50-meter and the 100-meter freestyle events—two events in which he himslef owns the records. For Ken, records are not that important. What is more important is for a swimmer to be one's personal best, which is a sign of improvement, and that what makes a great feeling of beating one's self.
Having so many things in his grasp, Ken appreciates the support of the people around him. The most important people in his life is, of course, his family. They always watch his meets and support his decisions.He is, likewise, a good and cool brother to his only sibling, younger sister Kimberly. He is so happy that Kim is also part of the national team at the age of only 13. It is obvious from his face that pride he has as kuya while telling this to me. He is also very grateful to his friends, who he considers not just an extension, but also as part of the family.
An athlete neds the support of a great company. Kendrick is very happy to be supported by the swimwear giant, Speedo. He is so thankful that such a big company has supported his endeavors in the sport. He explained that although training and physical conditioning are the prime factors that make swimmers perform well, the things you wear come competition time likewise helps. It is psychological advantage for a swimmer to swim wearing something that is custom built and tailor made just for oneself. He agres that the Speedo suits he wear druing meets had an effect on his great performances.
In all these things, Ken still enjoys life. Even though he is busy. Ken describes himself as praning, happy-go-lucky, and full of stories (Isn't it obvious?). For him life is easy, one should just enjoy it. he is also the type of person who focuses on what is now and tries to live the days as they pass by. Although, Ken also sees his future even now. He hopes to be able to qualify fot the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. For now, he is also training for the 14th ASEAN University Games this December in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, next year's 25th SEA Games in Vientaine, Laos, and 2010 Guangzhou Asiad (in China). Further, he will finish his studies in UP for good.
For Ken, what makes a Fighting Maroon is not just the individual, but further the sense of belonging and unity. He was very happy that the student-athletes support their colleagues in a different sport come the latter's competitions. Thus, there is ceratin unifed spirit and pride to compete in honor of the University.
We make certain choices. Sometimes, they are not the choices others made for us; however, for us, it is what makes us feel good and happy. In life having to choose, between a big fish in a small aquarium or small fish in a big one, is not easy. Such is the case of Ken, when he decided to go into swimming and making a good name for himself, and in the process proving some people wrong.
However, maybe one does not need to prove anybody wrong. One reall has proven everybody right. Ken continues to study in his chosen course, but he also helps in the family business. Come to think of it, his course (sports) and his father's wish (business) is both present in the gym he currently manages. Further, Ken does not really need to plan ahead for tomorrow—for has a bright future ahead of him. It is all due to the right decision he made in the past and contines to make in the present.
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