Rudy Fernandez: An inspiration to athletes
Rudy Fernandez
* His presence during the 3rd International Mountainbike Festival in Guimaras will boost the spirit of bikers everywhere
NO, he's not the actor. For me, he's far greater than the actor that we know of. He's Rudy Fernandez, dubbed as the Iron Man of Asia, a one-legged triathlete who hails from Iloilo. Those who know him outside sports recognize him as one of the housemates of ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition.
Fernandez had an amputation at the thigh of his right leg after a bomb explosion in Alegro Theater in 1998. He now has a titanium prosthetic leg.
Despite his handicap, Fernandez has competed in running, swimming and cycling. One of his feats was swimming from Guimaras to Iloilo in 1996. He called the experience as the triumph of one's mind over matter. His other feats include being a participant in a competition in Singapore in 2005; torchbearer for the 2001 SEA Games and the Palarong Pambansa 2005 (Philippine National Games).
Fernandez with Uytiepo
Members of the media were fortunate to have interviewed him in preparation for his involvement in the 3rd International Mountainbike Festival in Guimaras on March 28 to 30, 2008.
Here's the interview …
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): What is your role in the 3rd International Mountainbike Festival in Guimaras?
Rudy Fernandez (RF): To give meaning to the festival and to provide inspiration to the bikers there. My coming to the affair can inspire the youth and persons with disabilities to go on. I also hope to uplift the love of people towards sports. I myself could not believe that I have inspired others.
KMV: How was life right after you lose your leg?
RF: For a year, I lost hope because I could no longer run because I lost my leg. When I looked at my trophies won during the times that my legs were complete, I felt frustrated. Then later on, I was inspired to stop feeling sorry for myself and started to believe that I could do more. I'm also thankful because so many people have supported me in my lowest times. For one, my coach Raffy Uytiepo has helped me to become what I am now.
The Triathlette with the Media
KMV: How's your life now?
RF: Before, I could not afford to buy a pair of shoes. After I lost my leg and pursued sports despite of this, I earned more. I was also able to buy this 4.9-pound trek bike which costs a lot.
KMV: What's your secret to a healthy life?
RF: Choose food that have good nutrients, get a good sleep, exercise and most of all, smile. You must smile every time you meet people.
KMV: What message can you impart to others?
RF: Honor is like smoke. It can disappear. What's important is what you have done in your life on earth. Also believe that when God gives us a big problem, bigger triumphs will follow. It makes us closer to God.
KMV: And what is your dream for a better Philippines?
RF: If the rich will make it a point to help the poor, we can move forward. I wouldn't be here without the help of other people.