Tancontian eyes SEA Games gold
DAVAO City judoka Sydney Sy Tancontian aims for the gold medal when she competes in her 29th Southeast Asian Games debut judo competition slated on August 27 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tancontian, a 17 year-old blackbelt from University of Sto. Tomas (UST), who is also the lone pure-blooded Filipina to don the country's colors, targets a golden finish although she will enter the competition as a rookie.
"Kasi po pag medyo mag fall short, may silver and bronze pa din po," Tancontian said, adding that it has always been her dream to compete in the SEA Games ever since she was a child as her father Paolo keeps a SEA Games bronze medal in their home.
"Magkukuwento siya about his experiences which inspired me to compete in international stage," she added.
But she did not discount the fact that she is seeing action in a higher level of competition.
"Lahat po eh (malalakas), kasi as a rookie in the Games, I cannot underestimate anybody. But I think I'll be able to overcome and manage it by doing and applying what I learned and the things they (father and coaches) taught me," she said.
Tancontian gets motivation from her family and coaches who never failed to support her during training.
"Pati din po yung mga teammates ko at sa mga taong nagtitiwala po sa akin na I'll be able to fulfill this dream," the multi-titled athlete said.
Tancontian also said she will lean on her youth, saying: "I have everything to gain po. It's either I'll win or I'll learn something out of it. It will be difficult for me because it is my first time and iba po yung pressure na nirerepresent mo yung bansa."
Tancontian will compete in the women's -78 kilograms wherein heavy favorite from Vietnam is also entered.