School of Champions (SOC) Gymnastics Davao made a strong debut at the 4th LTSA Invitational Gymnastics Games, winning 47 gold, 25 silver, and 11 bronze medals and producing 19 champions at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex recently.
The young club, barely a year old, immediately established itself as a rising force in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics under the Australian Level Program (ALP). Athletes from Levels 1 to 3 contributed 45 golds and 23 silvers, while competitors in ALP 5 and 7 added 10 more medals through apparatus and overall results.
SOC gymnasts claimed Individual All-Around podium finishes in every category they entered, showing depth across levels and age groups. Most of the athletes, aged 5 to 14, were first-time competitors facing more seasoned rivals.
“Knowing that we just started a few months ago and our students are already developing well, this is really a product of their hard work and our coaches’ dedication,” said owner and manager Hannah Joy E. Morrison.
A teacher by profession, Morrison emphasized that the program focuses on both technical skill and mental toughness. “We always tell them to train hard, do their best, and enjoy their journey. When you fall, you get up. Never give up. Win or lose, you are always a champion,” she said.
She added that building confidence is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time competitors. “They still feel nervous because it’s their first time,” Morrison said in a mix of Cebuano and English. “We’re not only teaching skills — we focus on discipline, teamwork, respect, and mindset.”
Leading the medal haul were Wendy Grace Morrison, Rhuwanna Davie Einsteinium Sendiong, and Eva Kelley, each winning four golds in ALP 2. Heaven Bree Milloren, Eunize Charity Saludo, Ava Kelley, and Pia Uriel Reserva swept ALP 3 with four golds apiece. Abigail Morrison struck gold twice in ALP 7.
Other top performers included Noor Aaliyah Hana Deddy Faisal and Savanna Dierendonck (two golds, two silvers each), Amelia Noelle Bilao and Nika Cielo Magculia (two golds, two silvers each), and Flexie Kate Ibarra (three golds, one silver). Klaudia Cesca Nanali collected four silvers, while Antoinette Salonga earned a silver and three bronzes in ALP 5.
Morrison credited parents and coaches for sustaining the athletes’ progress. “The parents are always there — not just for financial support but also for their time and guidance,” she said, noting that strong family support, skilled coaching, and proper facilities all contribute to performance.
SOC plans to build on its momentum with a packed competition calendar and a summer training camp from March to May to refine skills and prepare gymnasts for higher divisions.
“We are leveling up their skills and evaluating them to know what level they are ready for,” Morrison said.
The club already produced Davao City’s first Batang Pinoy gold medalist last year, and Morrison believes more breakthroughs are ahead. “Our goal is to help bring Davao City to the top. SOC is ready to produce more champions in the coming years,” she said.
Her message to the young athletes remains simple: “Be champions in your heart and mind. If you have the champion mindset, anything is possible.” Dorothy Harriet Cabante/DNSC, SunStar Intern