FIVE SECONDS TO GOLD: Tuba teen fighter grabs Kyorugi gold, Poomsae Silver at 2026 MBW International Taekwondo Championship

SPORTS

TUBA, Benguet — Five seconds remained on the clock.

The points were not in his favor.

But 16-year-old Christer Zaijan Bros B. Bacbac of Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet refused to let the gold slip away.

In a frantic final push, the young taekwondo fighter dug deep, made the crucial decisions and fought back to secure the gold medal in kyorugi, while also claiming silver in individual Poomsae at the 2026 MBW International Taekwondo Championship in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, held from July 31 to August 2.

The international medals add to Bacbac’s growing achievements and mark another milestone in the journey of a young athlete who only started practicing taekwondo at 14.

Bacbac said his parents played an important role in introducing him to the sport and motivating him to continue.

“I started doing taekwondo by the age of 14 with the influence of my parents, and what motivated me to continue is to be able to become a better image of myself,” he said in an interview with Guru Press.

Five seconds, one big decision

The road to the gold was far from easy.

Before the competition, Bacbac had to make the required weight for his division. After arriving in Malaysia, he and his teammates also had to compete almost immediately, leaving little time to recover from the long journey.

Then came the five-fight battle for the gold.

Among the most nerve-racking moments came during the final seconds of one of his matches, when Bacbac was still behind on points with only five seconds left.

With victory hanging in the balance, he had to quickly determine what move could give him the best chance to close the gap.

“I was thinking about every decision I could do in that situation and thinking about how efficient or effective the action will be for me to win or to be able to catch up to the points,” Bacbac recalled.

At the same time, he said he kept himself determined to win and bring home the gold.

That determination paid off.

Bacbac emerged as champion in kyorugi, while also earning a silver medal in individual Poomsae against international competitors.

Despite the physical demands and pressure, Bacbac described the Malaysian tournament as an enjoyable and valuable experience that allowed him to test his skills on the international stage.

No slowing down

For Bacbac, the Malaysian victory is not the finish line.

The young athlete plans to continue training, sharpen his skills and prepare for his upcoming competitions.

His advice to fellow athletes is simple: take the chance.

“It’s better to give it a try rather than giving up and not knowing the outcome,” he said.

At 16, Bacbac has already proven that a few seconds can make a difference—and that with determination, preparation and the courage to fight until the final bell, even a tough battle can turn into gold.