Ready, Set, Go, Mia!

What were you doing when you were 19 years old?

For lady motocross rider Mia Villalon, she is living her dream of being a motocross racer.

Mia has just won round 2 of the 2022 Cleanfuel Motocross Invitational Series last October 1, 2022, in Silang Cavite besting 20 other riders of all ages from various parts of the country.

Mia showed interest in motocross at an early age of seven. Her father Arnold thinks Mia’s penchant was developed during the times that he brought her to the races her uncle used to participate in.

They bought her a bicycle and after a short while, a motorcycle. She got immersed in the motocross sport at a young age and when she turned eight, she received her formal training in Manila. Her skills improved immensely as she joined several competitions. To date, she has participated in almost 500 events.

At a very young age, Mia joined international competitions in Thailand and Malaysia, the ASEAN MotoCross League. She won second place in three overall races held in Palawan, Thailand and Malaysia. Through these national and international competitions, she gained experience and improved her performance that earned her the top 3 rank in the roster of female motocross riders in the Philippines.

Despite her preoccupation with motocross, Mia knows her priorities and does not neglect her education. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Baguio. Although she is still exploring the various opportunities offered by her current course, Mia is moving towards the direction of promoting and developing sports psychology in the Philippines especially among the athletes.

For Mia, discipline is the most important virtue to espouse as a motocross racer. “Discipline sa pag-eensayo, sa sleep schedule at the same time sa pag-aaral na rin at sa love sa race. Dahil kung wala ang mga yun, may kulang,” she explained.

Her father Arnold said that while it is fulfilling to witness her daughter pursuing her passion, it is also worrisome.

“Gusto mo siyang mauna pero nakikita mo siya sa ganoong klaseng speed, ganoong klaseng height, ninenerbyos ako kasi isang mali lang, isang kamaling bagsak, injury agad yun,” Arnold shared how he feels each time Mia joins a race.

“Ang magagawa na lang namin ay to provide the proper protection na pwede niyang isuot, helmet, neck brace, knee brace atbp.” Arnold added.

Her parents make it a point to be always present in her events to show their support through her ups (when she wins) and downs (when she feels her performance is below par).

Mia wants to someday represent the Philippines in the Olympics just like Hidilyn Diaz but one thing for sure is that her family and the city of Baguio are already proud of what she achieved at such a young age.

Mia is set to compete in round 3 of the Cleanfuel competition on October 29, 2022 where she intends to race again to catch her dreams. Go, Mia! – Nicko Gatchalian