Davao City’s Marc Alexander Lim has a gold medal at last in his recent homecoming.
Falling short several times in competitions, Lim did not give up on his hope for the holy grail that was the Southeast Asian Games gold medal.
The 26-year old Dabawenyo jujitsu star captured the elusive gold at last by beating Dinh Tung Dang of Vietnam in the men’s Newa-za no-gi -69kg. finals of the 32nd SEA Games at the Chroy Changvyar Convention Center.
He was welcomed home to a celebratory mood by his family and friends. He also met the local media for some interviews.
Looking back, Lim was bronze medalist in the same event in 2021. This time with his gold medal win, he finally put an end to a long run of near misses.
“I can’t believe it,” said Lim. “Third SEA Games, sixth year in the national team. Every year, I come so close to the gold but I fall short. Finally, persistence, may gold na.”
The turning point for Lim was his victory in the semifinals against Noah Tian Run Lim of Singapore.
“My semifinals, he beat me before. He is one of the best in Asia. I’m so happy to have beaten him,” said Lim.
“I think over the years, I’m a lot smarter now. I learn from my mistakes. I forget the losses but I keep the lessons. I think I’ve really mature,” said Lim, who started with the national team when he was 18.
