“That’s why it is revolting to hear stories of them being made to wait, served unhealthy food and made to sleep in functions rooms.

Lost in the battle for supremacy in the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian Games are stories of courage, heroism and sacrifice, of overcoming odds for a golden gain.

In the wake of the controversies that rocked the run up to the Games the Philippines is hosting for the fourth time, it is a welcome sight to see athletes doing what they do best, oblivious of the negativity hounding the biennial conclave.

It comes in the aftermath of a chaotic build-up when unfinished infrastructure, transport delays and problems with food and accommodation were heavily criticized, prompting an apology from President Rodrigo Duterte.

Who would forget Filipino duathlete Monica Torres, who despite a bum stomach, still managed to cross the line a clear winner over a Thai rival? Or of that Indonesian wushu player who won the gold not knowing that his father passed away while he was competing in his event?

Of course, whose heart wouldn’t be touched by the sight of billiard icon Efren “Bata” Reyes, who, at 65 and probably the oldest participant in the Games, is still battling it out for a chance to give the Philippines another gold in the carom?

Our heart also bleeds for our football team, the Azkals, who despite an avalanche of goals against Timor-Leste still failed to make it to the semifinals via goal difference against Cambodia; or of our courageous volleybelles who have to win their remaining two games to have a chance of entering the semis on account of an opening five-set heartbreaker to Vietnam.

There’s also a story of hope when Kristel Macrohon won the 71-kg weightlifting gold to crown herself as the probable successor to Hidilyn Diaz, our best bet in the event. Saying Diaz was her inspiration, Macrohon unabashedly posed beside her idol following her victory.

If you’re a skateboarding fan, you probably have seen how Margilyn Didal and Christiana Nicole arranged an-all Filipino showdown in the skate event after defeating their respective opponents. The duo, despite their rivalry, are said to be good friends off the court but nevertheless vowed to have fun in the finals.

Likewise inspiring is the story of fencer Samantha Catantan, who was discovered in the barangay, worked her way up her sport and is now a medal contender in the Games. “Fencing is my life,” Catantan was quoted to have said shortly after she bagged the women’s individual foil title at the Asian fencing championships, making her a big favorite in the SEA Games.

The Philippines may have been having fun at its own party, but what is not being told are the sacrifices our athletes undergo in order to succeed.

Being an athlete is a round-the-clock commitment. You’ll have to give up a big chunk of the free time you spend with friends and family. When you’re not at the gym or out on the field, you’ll be studying videos of your past performances, opening your eyes as to how you can improve in the future. You might even watch film footage of your competitors so you can learn their strengths and weaknesses.

When you’re in training, you’ll have to follow a rigid diet plan set forth by your physician, trainer or dietitian. Being an athlete is a full-time job so you have to start early and work late in some cases. But when you’re in training, you don’t get to take weekends and holidays off. You still have to continue to stick to a rigid sleeping schedule and get up early enough each day to meet with your trainer or team.

Such are the sacrifices every athlete must make to excel in their sport. That’s why it is revolting to hear stories of them being made to wait, served unhealthy food and made to sleep on functions rooms.

They do not deserve those things. What they need are officials who would take care of them. Not take advantage of them. The SEA Games are a venue to showcase their skills, not an opportunity for unscrupulous officials to dip their hands at the jar.