IT WAS a proud milestone for Davao City as two young gymnasts made their presence felt on the national stage, bringing home multiple medals for the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Eagles, including a gold, at the Ilocos Norte 2025 Palarong Pambansa held in Ilocos Norte. Their debut performances not only highlighted individual talent but also signaled Davao’s growing presence in the country’s gymnastics scene.
Eight-year-old Chalsea Belle Louise Tuazon of Ateneo de Davao University emerged as a breakout star in the elementary girls' artistic gymnastics division. Displaying poise and power beyond her years, Chalsea clinched gold in the vault, silver in the floor exercise, bronze on the bars, and another bronze in the individual all-around—a remarkable feat for a first-time national contender.
Chalsea began her gymnastics journey at just five years old. Now, with her debut Palaro behind her, she’s already setting her sights on the international stage, with competitions in Malaysia and Thailand lined up this September and October.
Her daily routine? Grueling.
“I wake up at 5 a.m. and get home by 8 p.m.,” she shared. “I go to school, then to my tutor, and then straight to training.” Despite the exhausting schedule, her motivation remains strong. Inspired by her family and idol Katelyn Ohashi, Chalsea has one message for aspiring athletes:
“Train harder and harder, always so you can achieve the medals.”
Joining her on the medal podium is fellow eight-year-old Kei Nigel Teves from Davao City Special School, who snagged silver in the horizontal bar event in the men’s artistic gymnastics division. Even more impressive? Nigel only began gymnastics a year ago.
“This is my first time joining the Palaro, and I’m really happy,” he said with a wide grin. Like Chalsea, he trains three hours daily, all while balancing schoolwork. Though the long days leave him tired, Nigel remains determined, drawing inspiration from Filipino Olympian Carlos Yulo and the steady support of his family, especially his father, whom he thanked warmly.
Together, Chalsea and Nigel, both mainstays of La Aguila Gymnastica in Davao City, represent a rising wave of gymnastics talent from the region. Davao is steadily building a reputation as a breeding ground for the country’s future champions, and these two young athletes are dreaming big. Both hope to one day become Olympians, following in the footsteps of fellow Filipino and double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo. Chrestina C. Galarion, Spamast Intern