Retracing the trails in a renewed time

By PAUL RAYMOND LLADOC

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected countless people around the world, from their health and safety to their careers and livelihoods. For many athletes, the pandemic has brought a halt to their training and competitions, leaving them in limbo as they wait for the world to return to normal. One of these athletes is biker Bernard Joshua Octavo, whose career was impacted by COVID-19 but is now making moves to rise up and compete again.

Octavo is a student-biker who has been competing for five years. He’s won numerous awards and accolades in his career, including multiple local championships and regional tournaments.

But when the pandemic hit in early 2020, Octavo’s world was turned upside down. With travel restrictions and social distancing measures in place, Octavo was unable to compete in any events, leaving him without a sense of purpose.

“I have to admit that there was a point when I thought of giving up on cycling because my sport involves traveling to different places where I have to climb high mountains and cover long distances,” Octavo said.

Octavo didn’t let the pandemic defeat him. Instead, he used the time to focus on his training and improve his skills. He invested in a home gym and worked with his dad as a coach remotely to develop his strength and technique.

His father, being the one who initiated his interest in biking, played a crucial role in his achievements thus far. Without his father’s influence, he wouldn’t have attained the same level of success.

Additionally, his father personally trained him in biking, aiming to enhance his strength. What sets his father apart from others is his mindset, always prioritizing his son’s well-being, strength, and self-discipline for the purpose of winning an Enduro race.

“My father told me not to give up because there are many ways to strengthen the body even inside the house,” Octavo said.

As restrictions started to ease up, Octavo began to look for opportunities to get back on the bike. He started competing in local events for his comeback.

He also began to speak out about the impact of the pandemic on athletes like himself, advocating for more support and recognition for those whose careers were put on hold by the pandemic.

“This pandemic has showed me that I can train a lot even inside my house, and it helps my mindset to be patient because it’s better to wait than force things to happen. We have improved on small things that someday we will see the outcome on a bigger picture,” Octavo said.

Octavo’s determination and resilience have paid off. He recently won two championship titles in a major competition in his hometown and is now setting his sights on upcoming tournaments.

He’s also become an inspiration to other athletes who are struggling to come back from the pandemic.

“Start on small things, don’t rush yourself. It takes time to improve these skills because a lot of practice must be attained. Don’t complain, enjoy the pain because it will be your strength to win the game and above all, enjoy riding. Be happy with what you have because it’s not about the bike, it’s the rider,” expressed Octavo.

Octavo’s journey is a reminder that even in the face of hardship, athletes can find the strength and determination to rise up and compete again.

With hard work, perseverance, and a supportive community, they can overcome even the toughest obstacles and achieve their goals. ■