A Grade 7 student of Malayan High School of Science , Akhirah Bint Afghani P . Alonto , emerged as one of the most bemedalled athletes at the 2016 Palarong Maynila held at the Jose Abad Santos High School recently .

Alonto bagged two golds , one for the beam and another for her floor routine , and a silver for her top-notch performance on the vault . She was also the competition ’ s Individual Allaround Champion .

Sponsored by the Department of Education , the Palarong Maynila or Manila Meet , is a school-based competition of different sporting events .

Palarong Maynila is the elimination round for the athletes in Manila who are aiming to participate in the NCR Meet and , finally the Palarong Pambansa . This year , three public and two private schools joined the Manila Meet .

“ As one of the top three winners in artistic gymnastics in the high school division of Manila , Akhira will compete with the representatives of

16 other cities of the National Capital Region at the NCR Meet in February 2017 ,” said Ferdinand Carating , MHSS A d m i s s i o n s Officer .

The top three winners of the NCR Meet will then be the NCR Regional Representatives at the Palarong Pambansa , which is usually held in April .

W i t h four years of experience in g y m n a s t i c s , Alonto was

the sole representative of MHSS in 2016 . On the National D e v e l o p m e n t P r o g r a m , A u s t r a l i a ’ s evaluation system

for competitive g y m n a s t i c s , Alonto ranks at level six . She is

also on level five of the American equivalent of the system , the Fédération Internationale de

Gymnastique .

Alonto is disciplined in her training . According to Carating , Alonto trains three hours a day , four times a week at the Gymnastics

Association of the Philippines Gym in Rizal M e m o r i a l Sports Stadium in Manila .

Alonto also trains at Club G y m n a s t i c a , her mother club gym in Pasig

City . When preparing for competitions , the 11-year-old ’ s regimen turns more rigorous as she goes to the gym six times a week .

Carating shared that Alonto ’ s achievement was a happy one , though it came as a challenge for the young athlete .

“ She knows all NCR representatives are good gymnasts , because they all see each other in the gym . Her discipline is also their discipline . Others are older and on a higher level than she is . But ultimately , the difference will be at the competition proper . Winners will depend on the condition of the athlete at the time of the performance ,” he continued .

“ Akhira has exceptional talent and must be given allout support ,” said Jocelyn Antiporda , MHSS Principal .

Antiporda further noted that MHSS ’ holistic approach to education gave Alonto an edge at the Manila Meet .

“ MHSS encourages students to excel both in academics and athletics . Students are exposed to different venues for their talents as well as opportunities to test their capabilities ,” she said . ●