Sprint to Glory: An Oval Odyssey
by Dave Samson and Thessalonica Agulto
The field was wide, and each runner had their own lane to follow. But for some, each track was a canvas, each stride a brushstroke. The track became the medium through which the runners painted their own stories.
Amidst a journey fraught with hardships, one individual stands out, pushing through adversaries to achieve an amazing feat in the world of runners. This is his odyssey—his path to glory.
Emmanuel Robles, 46 and a football coach at Bulacan State University (BulSU), has spent the majority of his life on the field. Unbeknownst to him that what started as a means to stay fit would propel him to the international stage.
Born to be an athlete, Robles showcased an innate athletic prowess, competing in the 100-meter dash, hurdles, long jump, and triple jump during his elementary days. However, upon entering high school, he hit his first hurdle—he could not apply for his desired sports due to the dominance of senior players.
"Dahil maliit ako at sa Marcelo [H. Del Pilar National High School] ako nag-enroll, hindi ako makapag-apply as athlete kasi nga ang player do’n ay mga high school third-year, fourth-year na at that time," Robles said.
Robles started to view things from a different perspective and redirected his focus into a new sport—football.
In his third year, he joined the Cadet Officer Candidate Course (COCC), because he knows that there is a culture that if you are a cadet, you can have a chance to become a football player because the commandant is the coach.
"So, para medyo makaiwas lang ako sa mga officer na mga terror at nagpapahirap sa mga COCC at maka-vibes din ang mga high ranking officer na football player, nag-try ako na mag-football," he said.
Robles found his calling on the four sides of the football field, making his way from being a varsity player in high school up to college varsity and now a football coach at the university.
After coaching the BulSU Gold Gears to national competitions, Robles yearned for a personal challenge. He discovered the joy of running, eventually finding himself not just in sprints but embracing the endurance of long-distance races.
As an older adult, Robles believes that fitness is important. Since he was athletic, he found enjoyment in running, and he eventually saw himself running in a marathon.
"Para sa ‘kin napaka-importante na maging fit ako para dumating ‘yung araw na hindi ako magme-maintainance gamit ‘yung gamot kundi ‘yung training na meron ako na habang bata-bata pa, dahil lahat naman tayo maggo-grow old ‘di ba," he said.
Life does not always go as planned, and for some, their journeys start much later than others. Their tales, although entering the arena at a different time, are just as captivating as those of seasoned athletes.
Robles’ journey into sprinting was a surprising albeit not unexpected twist. Prompted by a former student, he ventured into the world of competitive running, training for two months while also juggling his teaching and coaching. He eventually claimed a bronze medal in the 100m run at the Philippine Masters Athletics Championships in April 2023.
A letter from the organization opened the doors to an even greater challenge—the 22nd Asia Masters. Robles grasped the opportunity, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his athletic saga.
"’Di ko nga akalain na kung kelan ako nagkaedad, saka pa ko magre-represent ng national team, so, sabi ko sige lang, wala namang mawawala," Robles said in a Pacesetter interview.
The path to representing the Philippines in the 4x100m relay at the Asia Masters was certainly no walk in the park. Wrestling with self-doubt, he hesitated, wondering if he was deserving of a spot among former national team players. The competition was fierce, and the selection process was demanding.
However, what stood out during this time was the unwavering support from Robles’ relay teammates, each with a unique background but all bound by a shared love for their country and the sport. "Sabi nila kaya natin [‘to], kahit anong background mo, ito ay para sa Pilipinas, laban natin ‘to."
The Bulacan Sports Complex became a sanctuary. At first light, Robles would lace up his shoes, the stillness of the morning broken only by the rhythmic sound of his strides on the track. From pre-dawn workouts to afternoon teaching, to evening coaching sessions, Robles embraced the challenges, intertwining the roles of mentor and athlete coach seamlessly.
The training routine, the coaching sessions, and the lessons learned from being a gym instructor. It all converged in preparation for this global challenge. Robles envisioned not only crossing the finish line but to shatter preconceived notions of age limitations.
Robles emphasized the importance of drawing strength from meaningful sources—family, students, and faith. It was a dedication that extends beyond personal achievement, aiming to instill values that transcend the playing field.
"’Di ko masasabi na magaling ako, malakas ako dahil lang sa sarili kong kakayanan, naniniwala ako na si Lord ang nagbibigay ng strength sa ‘kin at ‘yon ‘yung gusto kong maunawaan ng mga bata, na kung ikaw ay nagte-training para sa sarili mo lang, hindi enough ‘yon,” he said.
His remarkable mission reached a pinnacle at the 22nd Asia Masters Athletic Championship, held at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, from November 7 to 12, 2023. The event unfolded on the last day, November 12. The relay for the 45-49 age group witnessed fierce competition, with only four teams making it to the epic finals—Japan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the Philippines.
The squad of Randy Magcawas, Lovelino Arboleda Jr., David Aguilar, and our own Emmanuel Robles clinched the silver medal for the Philippines.
Beyond individual accomplishments, Robles harbors a grand vision for the future. It was a dream that extends beyond the track—creating a group focused on developing young talents across various sports, from football to running, and swimming. This dream is fueled by a personal engagement in diverse activities, all in pursuit of the ultimate goal—the Ironman competition.
With an eye on the upcoming World Masters competition in Sweden, the dream extends beyond representing oneself—it is about representing a community, a university, and a nation. Whether it's financial backing, spiritual encouragement, or physical support, the collective strength of his supporters becomes the bedrock of his pursuit. The vision is clear: to break barriers and redefine limits, all while fostering a culture of fitness and perseverance.
As the cheers fade and the adrenaline subsides, Robles emerges not only as a coach and athlete but as a beacon of inspiration. Through challenges, dedication, and dreams, he exemplifies the resilience required to go beyond boundaries.
Thessalonica Agulto is a senior staff writer of Pacesetter. She is a fourth-year psychology student from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy.
Dave Samson is a junior staff writer of Pacesetter for A.Y. 2023-2024. He is a third-year Legal Management student from the College of Criminal Justice Education.
