Uypitching makes inspirational comeback in the sporting scene

CEBU, Philippines — Irwin Noel Ramas-Uypitching has carved his own niche in Cebu sports as a top caliber motocross rider.

For several years, he had been racing competitively in the professional level, winning countless races all over the country before calling it quits 12 years ago.

And just like other athletes, this hardcore Dumagueteño racer had his fair share of injuries.

He fractured several bones and sustained head contusions at he peak of his glorious career.

But the sport is in his blood.

Though already retired from active racing, Uypitching still keeps on riding his dirt bike at the track once a week to keep him in tip-top shape.

Unfortunately, he suffered a frightening crash during a practice session that left him with a dislocated hip three years ago.

Due to the extent of his injuries, Uypitching’s orthopedic surgeon recommended a total hip arthroplasty but upon his request feeling that he is still young for such procedure, his doctor attempted only to reconstruct his hip joint.

Following the procedure,  Uypitching was still hobbled by pain and mobility issues despite going through regular physical therapy for over two years.

Then there was this life-threatening incident he encountered in the Himalayas.

“It was until I traveled to the Himalayas to join a motorcycle adventure ride in the highest motorable pass in the world in Khardung La, India. During the last stage of the five-day ride, I experienced hypoxia with my blood oxygen level only at 56% triggered by stabbing pain in my hip at a very high elevation of 5,800 meters above sea level (Mount Everest base camp level),” Uypitching shared.

“The community doctor in that isolated place (Nyoma, Ladakh region) told my two friends Recardo and Raymond to keep watch on me and make sure I won’t have a deep sleep as I might not be able to wake up anymore because of my critically low oxygen level. I was instructed to descend to lower elevation as soon as possible, which I did the following day by plane down to New Delhi.”

Uypitching said that scary experience that almost cost him his life was the deciding factor why he opted for a total hip replacement, which was performed by well known Cebuano orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jose Antonio San Juan on November 20, 2023.

“The result was excellent. It’s around 95% improvement from my first hip reconstruction surgery,” said Uypitching.  “I was already allowed to go swimming in less than a month and then go biking in less than two months.”

Grateful for having been given a new lease on life, Uypitching embarks on a mission of inspiring others especially those coming from injuries to nurture a active healthy lifestyle through sports.

He sets himself as a shining example.

After several months of training diligently, Uypitching’s hard work and sacrifice paid off as he culminated his great recovery by finishing the grueling 51-kilometer Sunlife Bohol 5150 Triathlon consisting of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run exactly a week ago.

“I am very thankful to our Lord God Jesus for giving me another chance to enjoy the sport I love,” said Uypitching.

With his fascinating comeback, Uypitching offers some words of wisdom for other people to reflect on.

“All I can advise to young athletes is to just continue doing what they love. Have that burning passion to continue and be consistent in training and the result will eventually come may it be on a competitive level or simply just to be able to finish a race or a regular exercise routine for healthy living because in the end, health is wealth,” Uypitching concluded. — (FREEMAN)