Earl jean brylle c. Ornopia Promising Cebuano rider slowly motors his way to fame

CEBU, Philippines - Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu has minted outstanding athletes in various fronts most notably in football and basketball. Recently, the Magis Eagles have made in impression in athletics event of the 17th Milo Little Olympics-Visayas at the Cebu City Sports Center.

 Unknown to many, the Jesuit-run school could also take pride for its young but promising athlete who is slowly carving his own niche in the field of extreme sport called motocross.

 He is no other than Earl Jean Brylle Codiñera Ornopia, a Grade 7 student of SHS-Ateneo who is undoubtedly one of the rising stars in the local racing circuit. 

 Upon the encouragement of his father Siegfred Ornopia, who is a decorated rider and award-winning sportsman, Brylle learned the rigors of motocross at the tender age of eight.

 It did not take long for him to embrace the sport with all his heart.

 "I really love motocross. The thrill and excitement its brings to me is something that I cannot explain. The fun of flying high while riding on a bike is a magical experience for me," said Brylle.

 Interestingly, he won the first race he joined under the peewee division in Brgy. Casili, Mandaue City way back in 2008. You may call it beginner's luck but it doesn't apply to Brylle as he complimented his God-given talent with sheer determination and hardwork.

 "Winning my first ever race motivates me to strive harder and excel in my field. The all-out support of my dad Siegfred and mom Ellen also helped me a lot. They are my constant source of inspiration," he said.

 At only 12 years old, Brylle already had his share of ups and down. A leg injury he suffered during a race in the northern Cebu town of Medellin two years ago forced him out of the racetrack for a year.

 But it did not dampen his spirit nor deter him from doing what he loves most. "What happened to me was just part of the game. I know that in every sport, there are risks involve. I just have to be prudent and more careful next time."

 After being given a clean bill of health, Brylle announced his comeback with a bang, placing fourth in the juniors 85cc and fifth out of 28 riders mostly older than him in the beginners category during the FIM Asian Motocross Championships two months ago in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

 "I let him compete in the beginners class only for exposure but I was totally surprised that he made it to the top five," said Brylle's proud dad Siegfred.

 Brylle sustained his sizzling run with a double championship in the juniors 85cc and beginners selection limited edition during round eight of the 1st Keiz BJ Motors and Phoenix Cyclomax Titan Motocross Series just two weeks ago at a specially-designed race course of international standard in Brgy. Pagsabungan, Mandaue City.

 It was a national competition that has attracted no less than the country's top rider Kenneth San Andres, who is currently ranked No.3 in the Asian racing circuit.

 Impressed by his stellar performance, the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) has invited Brylle to form part of the Philippine Team that will see action in an international tilt next month in Indonesia.

 "Just like any other athlete, it is really my dream to represent the country in an international competition someday. I may not be able to make it at this stage of my career but I'm looking forward to it. I just have to practice hard so that I would be ready when that day comes,"said Brylle.

 For someone who values education above anything else, Brylle knows how to balance his daily workload as a student-athlete.

"I know how to balance my obligations as a student and as an athlete. It's all about time management," said Brylle. "To the aspiring athletes out there like me, they should always put their studies first. We must instill in our minds the importance of education. Being an athlete is temporary but having good education can lead us to a better life in the future. Besides, we can't be a role model to others if we won't do good in our studies. (FREEMAN)