Photo from Naomi Gardoce/Facebook
MANILA — Filipina biker and Southeast Asian Games 2022 bronze medalist Naomi Gardoce shared Wednesday her unfortunate setback in this year's edition of the biennial sporting meet.
Gardoce could not repeat the magic of 2022 as she suffered a dislocated clavicle in her event's finals—crashing 50 meters from the finish line.
READ: SEA Games 2022: Pinoys John Derick Farr, Naomi Gardoce secure mountain-bike bronze
"I'm trying to recollect the moments to give a detailed account of what happened but the short story is that I crashed big time in the finals and dislocated my clavicle. I gave it everything I had to get to this moment, but this race gave a different kind of ending," said Gardoce.
She was deemed "DNP" after not finishing the women's downhill (mountain bike) competition.
"Two years of building up to the SEA Games, all the training and sacrifices, gone in a snap. I didn’t even get to show what I’ve been working on. It hurts—my body, my heart, everything," she added.
"I wish I could say something inspirational about bouncing back, but honestly I don’t know how just yet. What I do know is I have my family, my community, my people. You’ve believed in me from the start, and even now, I know you’ve got me. In this moment of confusion and frustration, I’m leaning on that," she added.
Despite this, she vowed to return after recovering from her injury.
"To everyone who’s supported my journey, thank you. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring home the result we were all hoping for. Right now, it’s rest and recovery—but I’ll be back."