Sometimes, your biggest opponent is yourself.
In back-to-back days, two Pinay jiu-jitsu fighters brought glory to the Philippines by winning their respective divisions in the Asian Games.
First, there's Meggie Ochoa who conquered sickness and injury to claim her first top finish in the quadrennial meet. Then her teammate Annie Ramirez followed suit in the women's 57 kg event on Friday to give the Philippines gold number three.
Like, Ochoa, Ramirez couldn't contain her emotions during the post-match interview.
"Overwhelming kasi ito na lang din 'yung wala sa list ng achievement ko, so it's very fulfilling for my part na for the second time mag-Asian Games, nakuha ko 'yung gold. Hindi man ako pinalad nung 2018, kumbaga from nothing to gold so I'm very emotional," said the first-time Asian Games gold medalist.
The former University of Santo Tomas judoka then detailed how she suffered from anxiety after falling short of the podium finish in the previous Asiad.
"After that Asian Games, nagkaroon ako ng anxiety. Masyado ako nagkaroon ng intertnal pressure sa sarili ko, hindi 'yung outside, 'yung outside kaya ko naman, lagi namang may ganun," she said.
"Since hindi na-meet 'yung gusto ko (noong 2018), bumagsak lahat, 'hindi na ba ako magaling?' Every training umiiyak ako, ganun 'yung effect niya sa akin."
Ramirez had to take a step back and a break from competitions due to her anxiety.
"In-accept ko na may anxiety ako. Pumunta ako sa sports psych, hindi muna ako (nag-competition), training lang ako hanggang maka-recover ako."
The following year, the fighter got a huge break and confidence boost after winning gold in the Abu Dhabi World Pro.
"Somehow, 2019 nakapag-world champion ako. Nakita ko effective mga ginawa ko, sinabuhay ko 'yun."
Now an Asian Games gold medalist, Ramirez is dedicating her success to the Philippines.
"Mahirap 'to, Asian Games 'to, hindi 'to basta-basta. Asian Games, it will be reflected sa buong bansa, hindi lang para sa akin alone. Masaya ako na makatulong sa bansa."