At just 14 years old, Princess Jelaica B. Castro is already proving that strength is not only measured by the weight one can lift, but also by the courage to face challenges, overcome discouragement, and keep moving forward.

​

Currently in Grade 8, Princess Jelaica is a student-athlete representing ANHS National High School. She competes in weightlifting and has already achieved remarkable milestones in her young athletic career, including becoming 1st Runner-Up in the APPSAA competition. With her eyes set on the next challenge, she is now preparing for the Luzon Regional competition next year.

​

Discovering Her Strength

Princess Jelaica began training in weightlifting when she was only nine years old. At ten, she started joining competitions, where she gradually earned bronze, silver, and gold medals.

​

Her journey began through the encouragement of her coach. Because her father already knew and regularly interacted with her coach, Princess Jelaica was encouraged to try the sport herself. Although weightlifting may not have been something she initially imagined for herself as a young girl, she accepted the challenge.

​

She decided to step outside her comfort zone and prove to herself that she could do it.

​

Five years later, the little girl who once simply accepted a challenge has grown into a determined young athlete who continues to train and compete.

Inspired to Lift Higher

Princess Jelaica dreams of becoming like Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines' celebrated Olympic weightlifting champion. She was inspired not only by Diaz's achievements but also by seeing her in a Milo commercial, which helped spark her own dream of becoming a successful weightlifter someday. For Princess Jelaica, having someone to look up to reminds her that her own dreams are worth pursuing. Her current record in her weight category has reached 86 kilograms, a reflection of years of discipline, training, and determination. Learning to Overcome Discouragement

​

Like any young athlete, Princess Jelaica has also experienced moments when she felt discouraged. One of the most difficult moments came when she realized that she was already the only junior athlete left on her team while most of her teammates were seniors. Being surrounded by older and more experienced athletes made her question herself. She also encountered difficult and sometimes discouraging situations with people around her. But instead of allowing these experiences to define her, Princess Jelaica made a decision that changed the way she approached her journey: she chose to change her mindset and focus on the positive. Rather than seeing the challenges as reasons to stop, she learned to see them as opportunities to become stronger.

​

The Challenge of Support

Behind every young athlete's achievement is also a reality that many people may not see. Princess Jelaica's journey has not always been easy because basic support for young athletes is sometimes insufficient or even unavailable. Often, additional recognition or rewards only come after an athlete has already achieved something or proven their ability through success. For young athletes like Princess Jelaica, support should not only come after the victory. They also need encouragement, resources, training opportunities, and people who believe in them while they are still working toward the dream. This is why continued support from families, schools, local communities, organizations, and sponsors can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young athletes.

​

Stronger Than the Weight She Lifts

Princess Jelaica's story reminds us that a child's potential can sometimes be discovered in unexpected places. She began as a nine-year-old girl who was simply encouraged to try something new. Today, she is a 14-year-old student-athlete who has already earned medals, competed at a higher level, and continues to prepare for the next stage of her journey. Her story is not yet finished. There are still competitions ahead, challenges to overcome, and dreams to pursue. But with every training session, every competition, and every weight she lifts, Princess Jelaica is becoming stronger—not only as an athlete, but also as a young woman learning perseverance, discipline, and courage.

At SPECS Foundation, we believe that every child has potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Sometimes, what a child needs is someone who will encourage them to take the first step, continue walking with them through challenges, and remind them that their dreams are possible.

Princess Jelaica continues to lift—not only weights, but also her hopes for the future. And perhaps one day, the young girl who was inspired by Hidilyn Diaz will become an inspiration to another child who is just beginning to dream.