My #50 PRECIOUS WORDS 2023 Entry | FROM SCAVENGER TO SILVER MEDALIST

My #50preciouswords entry this year is inspired by Carlo Paalam, a men’s flyweight boxer from the Philippines who won the Silver Medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. His story touched my heart and reminded me of similar endeavors as a young girl with my Lola.

FROM SCAVENGER TO SILVER MEDALIST

By 

Christine Alemshah

[WC: 50, MG]

The air buzzed.

Music blasted.

Crowds cheered.

But Carlo Paalam’s razor-sharp eyes focused on one thing: 

his Olympic silver medal,

melded from recycled gadgets — 

an ode to his former life as a scavenger.

With parries,

punches, 

and perseverance, 

Carlo freed his family from poverty.

And proved no dream is impossible.