Barefoot Runner Wins Two Gold Medals at Palarong Pambansa

Barefoot to Gold: Iloilo Athlete's Inspiring Victory at Palarong Pambansa Eleven-year-old Trixia Anne Arellano from Concepcion, Iloilo, recently captured the hearts of Filipinos with her remarkable achievement at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa held in Ilocos Norte. Despite suffering from an injury that left her unable to wear shoes, Trixia secured two gold medals in the 200-meter and 100-meter dashes for elementary girls. Her winning times were 26.44 seconds and an unspecified time for the 100m, both surpassing her personal bests and previous records set in 2008. "Hindi naman po. Mas masakit po kung naka-sapatos. Tumatakbo po ako sa amin na nakapaa sa may dagat." Trixia shared in the GMA regional TV interview, explaining that running barefoot was actually more comfortable for her. Trixia's story is not just about athletic prowess; it's a testament to the power of determination and family support. She dedicated her medals to her parents, who trained her to run barefoot, reflecting the sacrifices and unwavering encouragement that fueled her success. Her story is an inspiration, reminding us that challenges can be overcome with perseverance and the love of family.