Mixed martial artist Charlie Ratcliff flew from Bahrain to General Santos to compete in Batang Pinoy right after winning the gold in the Asian Youth Games.
Charlie Ratcliff became the epitome of a competitor when she competed both in the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain and the Batang Pinoy in General Santos City in a matter of days where she both netted gold medals in mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu.
Ratcliff first hurdled the Asian Youth Games where she reigned supreme in modern MMA. She then won another gold medal in the juvenile girls Gi 16-17 -48kg featherweight division in the Batang Pinoy. She also had a bronze in the juvenile girls No Gi 16-17 in the same weight category.
[READ: Charlie Ratcliff blitzes to gold in 63 seconds at Asian Youth Games]
In a whirlwind campaign, the 16-year-old said that it was a “great experience” to represent her country then compete for Quezon City in Batang Pinoy.
“In Bahrain, I was so honored. It was a great experience for me,” Ratcliff told One Sports during the presentation of Asian Youth Games medalists in Parañaque on Monday.
She admitted that there was some jet lag, but it didn’t stop her from performing at her best.
“In Bahrain, I was preparing here in the Philippines for the simulating of time. That's why I didn't get jet lag,” said Ratcliff.
“[But] then, going for the Philippines in GenSan, I was a bit jet lagged.”
VICTORIOUS SIBLINGS: Charlie and Travis Ratcliff were victorious in their respective bids at the Asian Youth Games and the Batang Pinoy. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
A family affair
She wasn’t the only one though, as her brother Travis, 17, also flew in for the Batang Pinoy after taking silver in Bahrain. He also nabbed a gold in the juvenile boys 16-17 Gi 62kg weight class.
Along with her brother, and her mother who was a former wrestler, Ratcliff said that it was a good source of bonding for her family, especially since they are serving as each other’s support system in competition and out of it.
“It's so comfortable for me because we are a family. We have a strong bond together,” she said.
After her grueling schedule, Ratcliff can expect to enjoy some of her winnings first though, with monetary incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
[RELATED: Asian Youth Games medalists to enjoy monetary incentives from PSC, POC, nat’l government]
Asked on what she’ll do with her incentives, she had a simple answer.
“Pang-bayad ng bahay,” she quipped with a laugh.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.