But once barefoot Ilongga runner still hopeful of a brighter tomorrow in athletics career

CEBU, Philippines - She is used to winning gold medals and even breaking records in national competitions such as the Palarong Pambansa while running barefoot.

Primitive as it may seem, such is the unique ritual that catapulted Ilongga runner Joneza Mie Sustituedo to success in every sporting meet she's joining in.

When she was just in grade five and running barefoot, Sustituedo carved a Palaro record in the 1,500m run with a time of four minutes and 56 seconds. In her sixth grade, she bettered her own record in the same event by five seconds at the same time setting a new mark in the 800m run in two minutes and 21 seconds.

Sustituedo’s sizzling Palaro streak did not end from there as just last May in Pangasinan, she clocked in 10 minutes and 35 seconds to establish a Palarong Pambansa record in the secondary girls 3,000m run.

But the magic of barefoot running has somehow vanishes for the 13-year-old Sustituedo.

Wearing spike shoes for the first time in a race, Sustituedo faltered in her attempt to establish a new record in 3,000m run of athletics event during the 17th Milo Little Olympics Visayas eliminations five days ago at the Cebu City Sports Center.

In her previous runs, Sustituedo can easily complete the 3-kilometer distance in 10 minutes while running barefoot but she has dramatically slowed down with shoes on.

Prior to her failed bid though in the 3,000m run where she placed second only to Cebuana Arni Andrin, Sustituedo clinched two gilts in the 800m and 1,500 run.

“I felt a little bit awkward because I'm not used to running with shoes on in a competition,” said the long distance runner star from Iloilo National High School.

Sustituedo shun her old ways to heed the advice of her father Joel, who is very afraid she might get injured while competing barefoot.

“My father is so concerned about me. He wanted me to wear shoes during a race so I won't get injured,” she said.

Sustituedo may have failed in her goal of sealing a treble but it did not dampen her spirits to accomplish something big in the future. “I just have to train hard while running with shoes on,” she said.

In the face of temporary setback springs something beautiful and admirable for Sustituedo as she has set a good example to other athletes to always follow the advice of their parents.

“Our parents know what is best for us so it is just rightful that we will always listen to their advice. Afterall, this is for my own good and wearing the appropriate shoes will also help me in international competitions that I will be participating someday. That's what matters most for me,” said the wonder girl from Lambunao, Iloilo.

Sustituedo, a silver medallist in the ASEAN School Games held last June 28 to July 5 in Surabaya, Indonesia, now sights her sights on a bigger mission come the National Milo Little Olympics to be hosted by the National Capital Region (NCR) this October in Marikina City.

“I really have to double my efforts, train and prepare hard. I will give my all-out best in the national finals and that will be for the honor of Team Visayas,” said Sustituedo.

To the aspiring athletes out there, the small but terrible Ilongga has some inspiring words for them.

“They shouldn’t stop from dreaming. They must keep on chasing their dreams at all cost so that they will also achieve what I have attained right now,” said Sustituedo, who aspires to become one of the Philippine Team one day. - THE FREEMAN