Running Past Hurdles: The King James story

By Jessa Mae Gabalones

next games.

The Batters vied with the Growling Tigers in their final game of the season, a team they had also defeated in the tournament's first round. The Falcons, who were keen to have a good finish, defeated UST to win the bronze medal.

Adamson University ended their campaign with a commendable 6-2 in the

As a Falcon trackster, King James “McLing” Reyes didn’t let his disability limit where he could go. Instead, the 20-year-old amputee saw it as a new starting line.

Kicking off his track and field career in 2018, McLing— a high school student at the time— decided that the life of an athlete was meant for him. Now, as a sophomore in Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences major in Fitness and Sports Management, he continues to live out his dream.

McLing shared that the first event he participated in as a high schooler was the regional meet held in Surigao City which ended with him bagging the 3rd place in the said competition. He recalls that the next running events that followed the regional meet, such as marathons and fun runs, got him into track and field. According to the Agusan native, his family and God were his driving force to final tally.

The contributions of each AdU Batter were crucial to their victory. In their last game, John Matanguihan, relief pitcher Raymond Nerosa, and leftfielder Kean Matanguihan shone, scoring twice each in the sixth inning of their final game with the Growling Tigers, which brought a close advantage against the España-based cross each line at the end of each race.

Years after the start of his career, McLing has graced both national and international competitions, reaching new heights with Adamson University’s Track team.

Despite his ability, he is proud that he can catch up with able-bodied athletes. “Kaya ko pa po silang sabayan, napakalaking tulong po sa akin [ng Adamson] dahil mas lalo pa po akong mahihila sa lakas nila” he mentioned.

During UAAP 85, the Agusanon para athlete faced off with other University Track teams. As his first time, he vowed to do better in the upcoming season. “Patuloy ko pa po ipupush ang sarili ko na maipakita sa kanila na di hadlang sa akin ang kapansanan,” McLing added.

The first time the Adamsonian para-athlete raced on an international scale was at the ASEAN Para Games, held in Surakarta, Indonesia team. last July 30-August 6, 2022. He competed in the Para Athletics Men’s 5000m T46 event. By outrunning athletes from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar by mere seconds, McLing was able to bring home 1 out of the 5 gold medals the Philippines has won.

Despite ending the campaign pinning their hopes on beating UP this season, the Soaring Falcons managed to secure a commendable podium finish and are ready for the UAAP Season 86 with their rookieladen squad.

The University of the East is set to host the next UAAP Season.

He admits that he still has a long way to go, as he still takes time to reflect after every match to determine where he needs to improve on.

“Meron pa talagang kulang, at sa ngayon, po ay pinag-aaralan ko ngayon kung paano ko mas mahigitan ang nakaraan kong laban,” McLing shared.

McLing’s story goes to show that no matter what, he is willing to bridge the distance between the disabled and the abled, all for inclusivity. Despite the number of races he participated in, King James Reyes has yet to reach the finish line as he promises to soar higher than he already has.