Filipina Soul

Sheila Mae Perez, 22, is among the Filipino Olympians who will seek to bring the first gold home to the Philippines. Sheila Mae learned to dive in the ocean waters off Davao. To prepare for the Beijing Olympics, she’s been practicing for up to 6 hours everyday. She comes across as very down-to-earth and relaxed about competing among the world’s best divers in Beijing. No medal promises here, but we can be sure she’ll do her 110% best!

Sheila Mae was interviewed for GMA7’s Time Out. I believe this was at the Trace College in Los Banos, which boasts of a world-class pool and facilities.

Here’s a transcript of the last part of the interview:

Sheila Mae: Ako, wala akong maipangakong kahit anong medalya. Ni-re-represent ko yung Pilipinas …, hindi lang yung sarili ko. Ang alam ko kasi, alam na nila na kung gaano kahirap maging atleta. Para rin kasing mga sundalo yan eh. Ipaglalaban mo ang bansa mo, para magtagumpay ka. (Me, I’m not promising any medal. I’m representing the Philippines, not just myself. What I know is that people already know how hard it is to be an athlete. It like being a soldier. You will fight for your country, so you’ll be successful.)

Our best wishes for your success in Beijing, Sheila Mae!