18 years old. First Asian Games. Straight into the medals. Remember her name
Some athletes spend years chasing their first major breakthrough. Others arrive on the biggest stage and announce themselves immediately.
Meet Juliana Mykhail Candelaria, the Igorot taekwondo jin who turned her Asian Games debut into a silver-medal statement in women’s individual poomsae at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Her score? 9.1300. 🥈
Only South Korea’s Jung Hae-un finished ahead of her.
At just 18, Candelaria stepped onto one of the biggest stages in Asian sport, faced the pressure of continental competition, and delivered a performance good enough to put her on the podium.
First Asian Games. First appearance. First major statement.
And the most exciting part? Her journey is only beginning.
Imagine what more international experience, quality coaching, and sustained support could do for a young athlete who has already shown she can compete with Asia’s best.
Her silver is more than a medal. It is a glimpse of what Philippine taekwondo could become—and a reminder that the next generation is already knocking on the door.
But potential needs support. Breakthroughs need follow-through. And young champions deserve more than applause after the medals are won.
SHE ARRIVED AS A ROOKIE. SHE LEFT AS AN ASIAN GAMES MEDALIST.
Juliana Candelaria, keep chasing that next level. The future is yours to fight for. 🇵🇭🔥
Athletes are people first. Celebrate the breakthrough. Support the journey.
OFF COURT ONLY. COOL THINGS ONLY.
