Kaizen Dela Serna is a testament to the power of dedication and resilience. Her sporting talents extend beyond a single skill; obstacle course racing demands a unique blend of strength, coordination, flexibility, balance, and mental fortitude. It’s a sport where pushing beyond physical limits is not just an option, but a necessity.
Dela Serna’s commitment to pushing boundaries has earned her medals at the 2019 and 2023 SEA Games, along with numerous records. In 2022, she achieved the remarkable feat of setting a Guinness World Record for the 100-meter obstacle course race. All this while balancing her studies and pursuing a career as a model.
Her drive to excel in different areas of her life stems from a deep-seated passion for sports. “I think women in sport… It really makes you confident. It makes you resilient, it makes you fearless. And for me, sports really changed my life,” she shares. Through her achievements, she aims to inspire other women to dream big and defy societal expectations.
“Being feminine doesn’t necessarily mean you’re weak or fragile. A woman can be both feminine and strong,” she asserts, demonstrating this principle through her own life. In her obstacle course club, Ninja Monkeys, she fosters the growth of young women and athletes at the grassroots level, nurturing their aspirations.
Kaizen acknowledges the challenges of being an athlete in a relatively new sport. While training for medals remains a priority, she emphasizes the importance of securing financial support and sponsorships for the community’s growth. Her teammates, who also boast world records and championship titles, represent a pool of talent ripe with potential.
“With the right support, we can build more opportunities for young athletes in these types of sports and showcase our Filipino talent on the world stage,” she emphasizes. The obstacle course, where she thrives, embodies both the physical strength she gains from carrying weights and overcoming hurdles, and the feminine expression she embraces through her makeup and competition attire.
As a Filipina athlete, she embodies the harmonious blend of power and grace. “Playing sports is so powerful and beautiful, it is something that will always be close to my heart,” she says with a beaming smile. Kaizen Dela Serna is a shining example of the Filipina spirit: strong, resilient, and inspiring.
