With her stunning good looks and unmistakable charm, Mary Carmeli Garrovillo can very well give teen celebrities a run for their money.
But don’t be deceived by her sweet disposition and disarming smile. Because behind that captivating aura lurks a fiercely competitive individual who dreams big and leaves nothing to chance to achieve her goals. It is this attitude that made Carmeli one, if not the finest rhythmic gymnast to come out of Cebu.
In the recent Palarong Pambansa in Dapitan City, Carmeli won all but one of six gold medals in her sport, missing a sweep because of an injury. She capped her stunning performance by winning the coveted individual all around gold medal, the first gymnast outside of Manila to do so.
Indeed, the little kid who tried the sport just to while away time has come a very long way. Her every routine is wildly applauded even by her rivals. Friends and foes alike express a collective admiration for this gymnast who never fail to put on a dazzling show every single moment she steps on the mat. And these Carmeli earned through unwavering determination, dedication, sacrifice and hard work.
And there’s also Carmeli’s parents, Enrique Carmelo and Marie Bernadette, who stood by their daughter since the time she decided to embrace the sport.
“She is the type of an athlete that if she wants to beat someone, she will really work hard for it and would not stop until she achieves it,” said Carmeli’s dad, who would accompany her during practice which sometimes lasts until midnight.
“When Carmeli told me that she wants to win in the Palaro, I researched for materials and gathered videos so she can study some routines,” said Enrique Carmelo who admits to being more nervous than his daughter during competitions.
“I pray the novena while watching her compete. There was a time that I took videos of her competing and her two brothers were so upset because I didn’t capture anything because I was trembling so badly,” he added, laughing.
Carmeli’s mom, Marie Bernadette, said she would always tell her daughter that rhythmic gymnastics is about “grace under pressure” and said she was happy her daughter appeared to have imbibed the principle as proven in the recent Palaro where Carmelli twisted her ankle but still managed to win the gold.
The CHAMP managed to have a recent chat with the bemedalled gymnast, who insists she has no crush at the moment (or was it because dad Enrique is just within ear shot?). Here’s more to the current toast of Philippine rhythmic gymnastics.
At what age did you start gymnastics?
I was seven years old then. It was in 2002 when we went to the Cebu City Sports Center to look for a summer sports class. We saw that gymnastics program and my dad told me to try it out. I was convinced because it really looks nice.
Do you have a family member who is also a gymnast?
None.
How often do you practice?
Six days a week. Four to five hours a day.
How do you juggle your time as an athlete and a student?
I go to school 7 a.m.-4 p.m. then practice until 8 p.m. Kinda hard but I’m used to that kind of schedule.
What year are you in now? What school?
Going fourth year high school. Wunderkind in Liloan.
Do you still have time to go out like malling or watch movies?
No more. The time I used for socializing I spend for practice na lang.
What are your goals as a gymnast? Is being part of the national team one of them?
My ultimate dream is to enter Olympics. But its one dream at a time for me. First to win in Palaro. Then compete in SEA Games, then hopefully Olympics.
How many months does it take you to perfect a routine?
I took me one year for that hoop routine. But when it comes to the ball routine, where I can say I’m really good at, it takes one or two months to master.
Arguably, you were the best-performing gymnast in the recent Palaro. What’s your secret?
There’s really no secret. I just practice hard.
Who is your coach? How long have you been with him/her?
Wynn Reroma. Two years.
How supportive are your parents?
They’re very supportive. They spend for the things that I need in gymnastics and they are the ones who encourage me to train every day.
What are the difficulties and injuries that you suffered as a gymnast?
I usually suffer blisters during practice. In the recent Palarong Pambansa in Dapitan, I twisted my ankle after I landed on an uneven part of the mat. For me it is not difficult because I love doing it. The challenges that I meet, I just look at the bright side so it won’t be hard to jump over them.
What victory do you consider the most special?
I think this year’s Palaro was the sweetest. Because my personal coach (Reroma) was not in good terms with my Palaro coach (Darlene dela Pisa). This year, I became the overall champion in the secondary division where I beat his athlete so I’ve proven that I can do fine without him. He was even there. He was one of the judges.
From what tournament did you earn your first medal?
It was in my first competition, the Milo Little Olympics. Back when I was still Grade 3. I won a bronze medal there.
How many medals do you have?
I lost count already (laughs). Probably around 50.
Who is your idol in rhythmic gymnastics?
Ana Besenova but she retired already. She has this characteristics in her routine that will really catch your attention. Unlike other gymnasts where after the first five seconds it’s already boring.
How do you compare yourself to other girls?
I think I’m just like them except that I have a very busy schedule.
Do you consider yourself special given your achievements?
Everyone is special (laughs).
What do you usually do on ordinary days?
Rest. A little workout like jog around the neighborhood and help in the household chores.
Aside from gymnastics, is there any sport that you want to try or have already tried?
I want to try archery but it’s very expensive. I also wanted to try ice skating but we don’t have venues for it here so I just decided to stick it out with gymnastics.
What are the benefits that you get as a gymnast?
Aside from being healthy, it builds my self-confidence. Once you go out on the floor, it is already an accomplishment because you’re alone there and once you complete a routine despite the pressure, it really makes you more confident.
How do you manage defeat?
I just tell myself that it’s a mistake that I need to learn from.
How do you imagine yourself as a gymnast five or 10 years from now?
I really don’t know. I want to finish college. I plan to take up medicine because my family is from a family of doctors.
Advice to aspiring gymnasts?
Just practice hard. When you want something, you need to work for it and with the help of your parents you will really make it.