The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Jins capped off their taekwondo kyorugi campaign as overall champions, while the Lady Jins secured a first runner-up finish on Dec. 18 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila City.
The Blazing Jins marked a major turnaround for this season, climbing from a fourth-place finish last year to champions this year, showing the team’s significant improvements and effective adjustments. The Lady Jins, on the other hand, maintained their strong presence in the competition, sustaining their first-runner up standing among the tournament’s top schools.
In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, flyweight gold medalist Mark Lamasan shared that discipline and trust in the coaching staff anchored his preparation. “Ano lang, focus sa goals always, gawin pa rin ang best, at makinig lang lagi sa coaches,” he said.
Lamasan also reflected on the emotional boost he drew from his teammates during his title run. “Sobrang saya, lalo na kahit sobrang hirap ng mga nakakalaban, sobrang saya lalo na pag naririnig ko yung cheer ng teammates, sobrang saya, kahit pagod na, lalong nabubuhay kapag naririnig yung cheer ng teammates.”
Meanwhile, Lycah Segura opened up about narrowly missing the gold medal after a lengthy preparation period, viewing the setback as part of her continuing journey in the sport. “Hindi ako nagwagi, for the gold medal for the third time, ang masasabi ko lang po hindi natatapos sa ganon lang yung career ko sa taekwondo, I’ll bounce back and come back strong. Hangga’t nabubuhay, laban lang at bawi lang,” she shared.
Segura also offered words of encouragement to her fellow athletes, emphasizing resilience and perspective in defeat. “Sa mga co-athletes ko, normal lang matalo, after consecutive wins normal lang matalo, part siya ng buhay, and huwag natin i-take personally kasi uh, may mga reasons ung mga pangyayari na iyon, magtiwala lang tayo at mag work harder.”
Echoing the team’s fighting spirit, flyweight bronze medalist Andrew Anthony Tedor underscored perseverance as a defining mindset for the Blazing Jins. “Hanggat kaya mo, ‘di ka pa rin titigil, di pa tapos ang laban.”
Benilde wrapped up the kyorugi competition with a total of 24 medals, securing podium finishes in both the men’s and women’s divisions and capping the campaign with momentum heading into the next season.
