Run to succeed

He was dubbed as the “Nor Express” in the athletics world due to his breakneck speed when it comes to his events in 100m and 200m, Romick Nor’s presence brings a shiver whenever he stood as one of the finalists at the track oval for his specialty events.
By making waves in athletics both during his stint at the Pambansa and the Philippine National Games, Nor has become one of the most inspiring stories for young athletes nowadays.
Born at Buluan, Maguindanao, this 23- year old trackster chose athletics to change his fate.
A third child in a brood of four, his parents were both banana plantation workers in their locality. At a young age, he knew his parents could not support their studies considering their poor state.
At age 9, he started running at their school and joined local sports events.
Nor shared cheerfully as he reminisced his humble beginnings.
“Syempre talunan ako. ” He chuckled.
He disclosed his father used to be a basketball player but he didn’t seem to have an interest in it. His speed was inherited from his grandfather, he said.
His first taste of Palarong Pambansa was in 2008 held at Puerto Princesa, Palawan representing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where he landed as a finalist only.
In 2009 at Tacloban City, he finally won Gold for his 100m-dash and 200m-dash with a time clocking of 12.22 and 24.52 respectively.
The year 2011 was both a promise and a curse for Nor.
As he entered secondary school, he repeats his performance when he won gold for the two events in 2011 in Zamboanga del Norte.
It was also during this year when he won Gold at the Philippine National Games in Bacolod City and competed at the Asean School Games in Singapore and Sabah Malaysia open.
He suffered an injury during that year that he missed the 2012 Palaro in Pangasinan.
But he never gave up.
“Itong sports na ito ang tangi kong pag-asa para makapagtapos ng pag-aaral at matulungan ko ang aking pamilya. Di ako dapat sumuko.” He said,
A year after, he was offered a scholarship at the adjacent City of Koronadal.
Despite being a Muslim, he entered the Notre Dame of Marbel University -IBED, a Catholic school not only to have better training in athletics but also for quality education.
Despite his injury, he was back on track representing Region 12 during the 2013 Palaro in Dumaguete City.
Nor settled for Silver after a controversial finish against Mark Lirazan of Western Visayas. He also came in second against Jomar Udtuhan of NCR for the 100m-dash at the PNG.
“Hindi ako iniwan ng injury ko, pero kinaya ko lahat lahat para sa aking pamilya.” He said,
In college, he entered the University of Santo Tomas St. Benilde Campus, his dream school.
There, he dedicated himself to training.
His sweat and sacrifices paid off when he regained his title for the 100m-dash at the 2014 PNG and also won over his rival opponent Lirazan for the 200m-dash.
He also defeated his other rival Udtohan of a Junior Title in relay finals.
Now a graduate of Bachelor in Physical Education Major in Sports And Wellness Management, Nor works as a coach at the Pound for Pound Fitness Gym at UST for almost a year now.
It is a health and fitness center specializes in cross fit training such as athletic training, strength and conditioning, weight loss and weights training.
Despite not having a love life after being broken hearted for a couple of months now, this young man focuses his attention on his present work.
“Focus muna ako sa work, ipon para sa sarili, mga kapatid na nag-aaral pa at para sa aking mga magulang.” He said,
But athlete as he is, he still plans to have a comeback at the track oval after encouragement from a fellow athlete.
“Sana makabalik ako uli.” He said,
For the aspiring student-athletes, these are his advises.
Discipline – always do proper training and follow the coaches. Have control over food, and a have time management especially during sleeping hours.
Respect – Must have consideration to fellow athletes, coaches, and teachers.
Humility- Be humble, no matter how high the achievements are. Do not forget to give thanks to God and be grateful to those who helped you achieved your dreams.