Adeline “Adz” Dumapong, a retired para powerlifting athlete, made history as the first Filipino to win a medal at the Paralympic Games. Her journey from the mountainous region of Kiangan, Ifugao, to the podium of the Sydney 2000 Paralympics proves resilience, determination, and the power of sports to transform lives.
Dumapong’s life took an unexpected turn when she contracted polio at the age of three. Living in a remote area with no access to transportation, her family initially mistook the illness for a common fever. “By the time we traveled to Manila for confirmation, it was too late to reverse its effects,” she recalled.
As part of the indigenous Ifugao community, her family sought traditional healing methods. “My grandparents believed my condition was due to offending spirits. They performed rituals, sacrificed animals, and even created a wooden doll to transfer my illness,” she said. However, when none of these efforts worked, her family turned to faith healers, but the outcome remained the same.
Education became Dumapong’s gateway to opportunity. A nun advised her parents to bring her to Manila, where she lived at Bahay Mapagmahal, a dormitory for children with disabilities inside the Philippine Orthopedic Center. Life there was structured and disciplined, with strict rules and consequences for breaking them. “Despite the challenges, I found joy in sports and music, which became my escape,” she said.
Dumapong’s introduction to sports was initially driven by a desire for freedom. “I noticed that students who participated in sports were allowed to leave the dorm for training, so I joined every activity possible — wheelchair basketball, swimming, javelin, shot put, discus throw,” she shared. Excelling in sports opened doors for her, including her first trip abroad to compete in Japan and recognition as one of McDonald’s 10 Filipino Young Achievers.
Although she stepped away from sports to focus on academics at St. Paul University, her passion never faded. “After graduating and starting work, I missed competing and started training again casually,” she said.
Dumapong’s entry into powerlifting was unexpected. While visiting Bahay Mapagmahal, her male friends encouraged her to try lifting weights. She started with 20 kilos, then progressed to 25, 27, and eventually 30 kilos. A physical therapist noticed her strength and invited her to return. “From there, I entered local competitions and won a gold medal, though I was the only female competitor!” she recalled.
At the time, powerlifting was a male-dominated sport, and female athletes, especially those with disabilities, were rare. “My friends questioned why I was lifting weights, saying it was only for ‘tomboys’ or ‘amazons.’ But I enjoyed it, so I kept going,” she said.
Her dedication caught the attention of Ramon Debuque, a champion powerlifter, who offered her free training. However, financial constraints made it difficult for her to attend regularly. Despite these challenges, she persisted.
In 1998, Dumapong’s perseverance paid off when she was selected to compete at the Far East and South Pacific Games (FESPIC) in Bangkok. “Budget constraints reduced the team from 30 athletes to 12, but I made the final cut. I won a silver medal, and that’s when I realized my potential,” she said.
Following her international debut, Dumapong set her sights on the Paralympics. “At first, I didn’t fully understand the significance of the Paralympics—I just wanted to travel! But this was the beginning of my journey to Sydney 2000,” she said.
Training for the Paralympics was a challenge due to limited resources. “I had to be resourceful — borrowing equipment, seeking sponsorships, and training in makeshift gyms,” she said. Balancing work and training was tough, but she remained determined.
Competing at the Paralympics was an overwhelming experience. “Everything was organized at such a high level, from the athlete village to the competition venues. When I stepped onto the platform, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement,” she said.
Her hard work paid off when she won a bronze medal, making history for the Philippines. “It took me a while to realize what had happened. I was in shock,” she recalled.
Winning an Olympic medal brought recognition to para-athletes in the Philippines, but support remained limited. “There was media attention, but the recognition was short-lived. Many para-athletes had to work full-time jobs while training, which made it difficult to sustain a professional career,” Dumapong said.
She continued competing and representing the country in international tournaments despite these challenges. She also took on a mentorship role, guiding young para-athletes and advocating for better support. “My goal was not just to win medals but to push for inclusivity in sports,” she said.
At present, Dumapong remains an active voice in disability sports advocacy, working with organizations to improve conditions for para-athletes. “We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go in terms of accessibility, funding, and recognition,” she said.
When asked what advice she would give young athletes with disabilities, she responded with conviction: “Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. There will be obstacles, but perseverance and passion will take you far. You are not defined by your disability — you are defined by your strength and determination.”
