Holy Child College of Davao’s (HCCD's) Jiahn Rych R. Madridano struck gold twice for La Aguila Gymnastica Philippines at the 9th Total Gymnastics International Gymnastics Tournament (TGIGT) held recently in Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Jianh ruled the parallel bars and vault events in the MAG FIG Junior Under-17 division. He also added a bronze in the team event, placed fifth in both individual all-around and horizontal bar, sixth in floor exercise, and eighth in pommel horse and rings to mark a strong debut on the international stage.
"I feel so happy and blessed pagkadungog nako sa akong pagkadaog sa Malaysia kay first time nako nag-compete sa international na competition og naka-medal ko (I feel so happy and blessed to win in Malaysia because it was my first time competing internationally, and I was able to bring home medals)," he told SunStar Davao in a text interview. "Nakakuha ko'g duha ka gold. Dako gyud kaayo akong kalipay sa akong pagkadaog sa Malaysia (Winning two golds truly brings me so much joy)."
The victory was also celebrated at home. In a Facebook post, HCCD-Kalayaan Campus Senior High School Student Government commended Madridano for his discipline and perseverance.
"The Red Eagles Family is so proud of you, Jiahn! You carried not just your own name, but also the pride of your school, community, and our country. Keep soaring higher and showing the world the strength and talent of a true Red Eagle," the post read.
At just 17, Jiahn has already tumbled his way from schoolyard mats to international competition, proving how far passion and persistence can take a young athlete.
His gymnastics journey began in Grade 2, inspired by his older sister, who trained ahead of him. Watching practice sessions sparked his curiosity until he finally tried it himself. “I enjoyed tumbling so much that I just kept going,” he recalled.
By Grade 2, he was already competing, making his debut at the Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet. He went on to represent his school and city in the Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) tournaments during Grades 3 and 4, before returning to Davraa in Grade 5.
Then the pandemic struck, forcing him to halt his training. Coming back wasn’t easy; he had to relearn even basic moves. But with grit and discipline, Jiahn pressed on, determined to get back in form. That perseverance paid off, as he went on to compete in the Palarong Pambansa from 2022 to 2025, along with Batang Pinoy in 2023, milestones that fueled his dream to go further.
This year, that dream took him beyond national borders. Representing the Philippines in Malaysia, he finally stepped onto the international stage, a moment he describes as both surreal and rewarding.
Madridano wasn’t the only Dabawenyo who shone in Malaysia. Teammates from La Aguila Gymnastica Philippines also brought home honors. Moira Leigh Niña Clemen Copas clinched a bronze in vault under the WAG FIG Junior U-15 category, while finishing sixth in the team event and eighth in both individual all-around and uneven bars. Hailey Xherie Cobrado placed fifth in floor exercise, sixth in team, and eighth in vault.
In the WAG FIG pre-junior U-12 division, eight-year-old Chalsea Belle Louise Tuazon collected two bronzes while ranking sixth in vault and 10th in team. Kiesza Sabrina D. Candelasa and Haleya Rexy T. Cobrado also finished 10th in the team event.
With these wins, Davao’s young gymnasts continue to show they can stand tall on the international stage, carrying not only their school colors but also the pride of their city and country. MLSA