Annie Ramirez bets on herself in pursuit of another Asian Games gold
Gold comes with a price.
For three-time JJIF World Champion Annie Ramirez, that price was more than just countless hours on the mat.
It meant taking a financial risk on herself.
As she prepares to defend her place among Asia’s best jiu-jitsu athletes at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Ramirez went as far as borrowing money to train in the United States—a sacrifice she believes was necessary to give herself the best possible preparation.
At 35, Ramirez already has the experience of a champion. But instead of relying solely on what she has accomplished, the veteran chose to push herself even further.
She traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where she trained alongside fellow Filipino jiu-jitsu standouts Alexandria Enrique, Jollirine Co and Marc Lim.
The objective was simple: expose herself to new techniques, tougher training and a higher level of competition before stepping onto the Asian Games stage.
But making that preparation happen was not easy.
“Umutang pa ako just to get that money,” Ramirez said.
Behind those words is a decision that reflects just how seriously she is taking another shot at Asian Games gold.
A champion who refused to settle
Ramirez already knows the feeling of winning at the continental level.
At the Hangzhou Asian Games, she ruled the women’s 57-kilogram division to capture gold for the Philippines.
For many athletes, reaching the top of the podium could be the culmination of a career.
For Ramirez, it became another reason to keep chasing more.
Rather than simply depending on her previous success, she searched for ways to improve—even if it meant making a personal financial sacrifice.
The United States training camp gave her an opportunity to sharpen her skills alongside other Filipino athletes and challenge herself in an environment designed to raise the level of her preparation.
It was an investment with no guaranteed return.
There was no promise of another gold medal.
Only the belief that better preparation could give her a better chance.
Betting on preparation
Elite sport often comes down to details.
A fraction of a second.
A better reaction.
A new technique.
A stronger opponent in training.
For Ramirez, the decision to train abroad was about creating those small advantages before the real battles begin.
The financial burden may eventually be repaid.
But the opportunity to compete for another Asian Games title is far more difficult to replace.
That is why Ramirez chose to make the gamble.
She could have relied on experience.
Instead, she chose preparation.
She could have been satisfied with being an Asian Games champion.
Instead, she chose to chase another one.
One more gold
At 35, Ramirez understands that opportunities at this level are precious.
Her résumé already speaks for itself: three JJIF world titles, an Asian Games gold medal and years of experience representing the Philippines.
But another Asian Games awaits.
And once again, Ramirez will have to prove herself on the mat.
This time, she arrives knowing exactly what she has invested to get there.
The borrowed money. The training. The sacrifices. The uncertainty.
All of it leads to the same destination.
The podium.
Ramirez has already paid the price before the first match begins.
Now comes the part that matters most.
Turning sacrifice into another gold medal.
One more fight.
One more opportunity.
One more chapter for a champion who continues to bet on herself. 🇵🇭🥋
