KARATEKA Pretie Joy Millan Goc-ong will receive the Female Athlete of the Year when the So Kim Cheng Sports Awards Night unfolds on July 22 at the Pantawan Hall-Pagcor of the Grand Regal Hotel.

The 20-year-old Goc-ong, a Marketing student at the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), was earlier nominated for the award for winning a gold medal and a bronze in the 3rd Asia Pacific Sports Masters Karatedo Open Championships in Singapore last year.

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It turned out that Goc-Ong emerged uncontested being the only female athlete who won a gold medal in an international event.

"I was really flattered and thankful when Shihan Rommel (Tan) texted me that I was chosen as athlete of the year. I'm so happy to be chosen for the award. I'm very excited to receive it," said Goc-ong, daughter of Nerio and Estrella.

Goc-ong, who hails from Davao City's Tagakpan, Tugbok District, said she does her best in every competition she joins and that having people believe in her skill and talent make a great difference in her every performance.

"I offer my award to God, to supportive parents, to my brother and sister who always pray for me and to Shihan Rommel for giving his everything to me and my teammates, to Sens and my AAK (Association for the Advancement of Karatedo) family, to Sonny Montalvo, my inspiration, and to myself," Goc-ong said.

"I always give myself a reward each time I get a medal or meet new friends in a tournament," she added.

Goc-ong said it is very important for athletes like her to keep their feet on the ground and heads up whether in times of victory or defeat.

"Just being able to represent your hometown or country is already a great achievement, that's why you have to keep your head up and be proud knowing that you did your best. Whatever award or medal you get in every tournament, don't let it get into your head," she advised.

Her ever-supportive mom, who works in Singapore, had already booked a flight home on July 20 to attend the awards night on July 22.