BAGUIO CITY — Most athletes remember the moment they discovered their sport with vivid clarity—an open house, a school fair and a televised game.
For 18-year-old Yñgo T. Ramos, however, it all began with a childhood crush and a white lie.
“I was in third grade when a girl I liked invited me to try judo with her over the summer,” Yñgo recalled with laughter. “But when I showed up at the gym, the coaches said they didn’t know anyone by that name. She wasn’t even training there.”
What could have been an embarrassing misunderstanding turned into the start of a life-defining journey. “I decided to stay and try it anyway,” he said.
That moment of spontaneity opened the door to more than just a sport but more importantly led to a lifelong passion, personal growth, and national-level victories.
Now a varsity player and proud representative of Baguio City, Yñgo trains under the wings of the YMCA and Kaitagi Judo Clubs.
His weekly schedule is a demanding cycle of judo sessions, conditioning drills, school responsibilities, and sparse moments of rest. Each day a testament to his commitment to discipline and balance.
Yñgo’s story is not merely about medals and mat time but also about transformation.
“Back then, I joined judo for self-defense because I was often bullied. But it ended up giving me more than just protection. It taught me discipline, humility, and resilience,” he disclosed.
“It also comes with a sense of responsibility… I’m carrying my city’s name with me, and that drives me to give my best in every match,” he stressed.
A major turning point came in 2019 when Yñgo won his first gold medal at the Batang Pinoy that wasn’t just a victory but a defining moment that revealed how much he had grown, and how much further he could still go.
“That win made me realize how far I’d come. It wasn’t just about winning. It was every bruise, every early morning, and every time I chose to show up even when it was hard,” he admitted.
He holds onto a personal mantra that keeps him grounded: “There’s always a rainbow after the rain,” he says—a phrase he lives by during both challenges and triumphs.
“Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. Before a big event, I start by visualizing success.” Doing that, he explained, “helps me set a clear goal in my mind and builds my confidence.”
Despite his achievements, Yñgo doesn’t see himself pursuing judo professionally but hopes to give back possibly as a coach or mentor. “Even if I’m not competing at the highest level anymore, I want to help younger athletes grow. I want them to feel the same sense of belonging and opportunity that judo gave me.”
Behind every match and milestone are the mentors who shaped his path—coaches from Baguio: Willy Diño, Ferdinand Cudao, Ma’am Sharon Diño, Francine Rillera, and Ma’am Rhow Salinas. “They’ve helped shape me not just as an athlete, but also as a person.” And, above all, his parents, his “biggest role models” whose unwavering support became his foundation.
To aspiring athletes, Yñgo offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t be afraid to take the first step… That one moment of courage could lead to something incredible. Just like it did for me.”
Just like the great hockey player Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So go out there and take the shot! It’s always better to try than to never do anything.”
From an innocent crush to becoming a city’s pride, Yñgo Ramos’s journey is proof that the best stories often start with unexpected beginnings and that sometimes the wrong gym can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.**Roline Cabantoc/Baguio PIO intern/gabykeith
