Adrian S. Linao Champ thrower

ADRIAN Saludares Linao failed to defend his discus throw gold medal but made up for it by capturing the javelin throw gold in the 2013 Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) National Championships held at the Narciso S. Ramos Sports Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan last month.

The farmer's son from far-flung Tugbok District, this city, took the discus silver instead. He, however, improved his javelin bronze finish in Cebu City nationals last year.

The 22-year-old Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) fourth-year student from the University of Mindanao was thankful to have brought home a gold and a silver not just for his Alma Mater but most importantly for the Southern Mindanao Region 11 Prisaa delegation.

Adrian, the second child of Adriano, who also sidelines as construction worker, and Violeta, a housewife, in a brood of eight, did not consider poverty as a hindrance to achieving his dreams in life. He landed a varsity scholarship at UM banking on his impressive throwing record during his Tugbok National High School years.

He learned throwing the discus, javelin and shot put when he was 12. He competed in city eliminations and clinched back-to-back golds in the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet held in Mati, Davao Oriental.

Aside from his Prisaa national stint in Cebu, Adrian also saw action in the 2012 National University Games in Bacolod City where he salvaged a silver in discus throw.

"I'm very happy and satisfied that all my efforts and sacrifices in training produced a fruitful reward. I look forward to receiving awards when I graduate next year. I'm very happy and satisfied for all the things I achieved. It helps me develop my character as a person," he said
He is also thankful for the opportunity to be a varsity scholar, allowing him to push through with his college studies and see different places in the country for free.

Adrian admitted though that being a student-athlete is challenging. He has to balance his academics and training. Thus, he starts his day early at 5 a.m. to jog and do some drills before he attends his classes. By 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., he works on some weights and throwing techniques.

When he is home, the reliable son assists his father in tending the farm.

UM athletics coach Harrish Ratag was all praise for him, saying in the vernacular: "He is a dedicated athlete, serious in training and very humble. He is very hardworking, too. He really finds time to go home during weekends to help in the farm so he can earn money for his allowance in school. He is very determined to really finish college. Sariling sikap talaga."

Adrian's passion for his sport and studies may pave the way for a brighter future ahead. Who knows, his dreams of becoming a member of the Philippine team or a chef at a top-notch restaurant or work abroad will soon come true.