3 Young Fencers from Ormoc Shock Nation with Victory — Richard Gomez Speaks Out on Triumph, Trials, and National Team Drama!

In a stunning and emotional turn of events, three young fencers from Ormoc City have brought pride and glory not just to their hometown, but to the entire Philippines. Their unexpected victory in an international youth fencing competition has become the talk of the nation — and with it comes a mix of joy, national pride, and an underlying controversy involving the Philippine National Fencing Team.

At the center of this feel-good yet dramatic story is Richard Gomez, former national athlete, actor, and current Ormoc City Mayor. Known for his passion for sports and discipline, Gomez has long been a supporter of fencing in the region. But even he didn’t anticipate just how far these young athletes would go — and what they would endure along the way.

The Champions from Ormoc

The three fencers — Elijah Ramos (14), Sofia Trinidad (15), and Marco Sison (13) — recently competed at the Asian Youth Fencing Championships held in South Korea. Despite being considered underdogs by many, the trio stunned international audiences by securing gold, silver, and bronze medals across different events in épée and foil categories.

What makes the victory even more inspiring is that these athletes were not officially part of the national team. Instead, they trained under a local Ormoc-based club, supported by the city government and a handful of dedicated coaches.

“They went there with heart, discipline, and a dream,” said Richard Gomez during a press conference. “No big budget. No big name. Just raw talent and grit.”

A Personal Victory for Gomez

For Richard Gomez, this win hits close to home. A former fencer himself who once competed for the national team, Gomez has been instrumental in promoting fencing in the provinces — especially in Leyte, where sports facilities are limited and funding is often a challenge.

“This is proof that talent exists outside Metro Manila,” Gomez said. “Our athletes in the provinces deserve the same support, opportunities, and recognition.”

The mayor, who has always been vocal about decentralizing sports development in the country, used this moment to call for a reevaluation of the national sports recruitment system.

Behind the Blades: Trials and Challenges

The road to success wasn’t easy for Elijah, Sofia, and Marco. According to Coach Jenny Salazar, who has trained the trio for over two years, the team had to raise their own funds, borrow equipment, and even train in an improvised gym using second-hand gear.

“There were days they trained with worn-out foils and hand-me-down uniforms,” Salazar said. “But they never complained. They just worked harder.”

The three were initially denied a spot in the national delegation due to “lack of credentials and experience.” Undeterred, Gomez personally reached out to international organizers and requested for them to be allowed to compete as independent athletes representing the Philippines.

And the gamble paid off.

National Team Drama Unfolds

In the wake of their triumph, tensions have reportedly risen between the Ormoc City delegation and officials from the national fencing body, who were caught off guard by the trio’s unexpected performance.

While some officials praised the young athletes, others allegedly questioned their “non-sanctioned” participation. The Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) has yet to issue a formal statement, but insiders suggest that discussions are ongoing about whether the Ormoc fencers will now be included in the official pool.

“It’s sad that instead of celebrating, some are more concerned with politics,” Gomez said candidly. “Why are we punishing success just because it didn’t come from the ‘usual system’?”

Voices of the Young Heroes

The young fencers themselves were humble in victory. Elijah, the gold medalist, shared how he dedicated his win to his late father, who used to walk him to training every day.

“He believed in me when no one else did. I know he’s watching me from heaven.”

Sofia said she hopes their win will inspire more girls to take up fencing, while Marco, the youngest of the three, said he just wants to keep training and represent the country again.

“I love fencing. Win or lose, I just want to play.”

Nationwide Support and Social Media Buzz

As soon as news of the victory broke, Filipinos flooded social media with praise, admiration, and frustration over the challenges faced by the young athletes.

Hashtags like #OrmocFencingHeroes, #SupportProvincialAthletes, and #RichardGomezForSports trended on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.

Prominent athletes and celebrities including Hidilyn Diaz, Gretchen Ho, and even some lawmakers expressed support for the athletes and called for increased funding and inclusion for sports development in rural areas.

What’s Next for the Fencing Trio?

With medals around their necks and the nation behind them, what lies ahead for Elijah, Sofia, and Marco?

According to Mayor Gomez, the Ormoc government will provide full scholarships, advanced training opportunities, and even international exposure for the three athletes moving forward. Talks are also underway with private sponsors who have offered to fund their training and equipment.

“This is just the beginning,” Gomez promised. “They’re no longer just local heroes — they are now national treasures.”

Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Philippine Sports

The story of these three young fencers is more than just a tale of victory — it’s a wake-up call.

It exposes the flaws in the country’s current sports structure, the neglect of rural athletes, and the need for inclusive and merit-based selection systems. Most importantly, it reminds us that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places — even from a small city gym in Ormoc.

In a sport defined by precision, timing, and heart, Elijah, Sofia, and Marco have proven that they have all three — and the nation couldn’t be prouder.