For Olympian Hergie Bacyadan and his partner, Lady Denily Digo, love is not just a feeling — but a living, breathing promise that grows quietly inside their hearts.

The 31-year-old Bacyadan said starting a family through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) wasn’t easy as they had to make a lot of sacrifices that even redefined the trajectory of his once promising athletic career.

“At first, it didn’t continue because we both had plans. I was focused on qualifying for the Olympics. She was already taking prescribed medication before the procedure,” said Bacyadan, a member of the LGBT community who represented the country in the women’s boxing event of the Paris Olympics in 2024.

“Having a baby has always been our dream. The Lord fulfilled that wish.”

Now catering to his wife, Bacyadan said he and newly-elected Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Marcus Manalo will soon be discussing what his plans will be for the year.

“For now, my focus is on being a father. I don’t want to miss important moments when my child is born,” the Kalinga native puncher said during the recent episode of Off the Court, the weekly sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE.

“We’ll see what happens in the future, but right now, family comes first.”

He said he was happy that both of their parents accepted their decision to start a family through alternative methods.

“Actually, we didn’t have problems with our families. They were happy,” Bacyadan said, adding that their love for each other prompted them to take their relationship to another level by having a baby.

“Her parents were happy and my family was happy. When they found out the IVF was successful, many people were really happy for us.”

Digo recalled that they made sure to fulfill their personal priorities before even becoming parents.

“When we finally committed to IVF, we gave it our full hearts. No more excuses,” Digo said.

“It’s not easy. It’s expensive and painful — physically and emotionally, but we realized that God gave us everything we needed first.”

When the news of his wife’s pregnancy was posted last September, Bacyadan admitted some people questioned their decision.

But for Bacyadan, the love from his wife and their families is all he needed to hear.

“Of course, there were people who questioned us. Some asked if we were serious,” Bacyadan said.

“But we focus on the people who love and support us.”

Even Digo encouraged LGBT couples to try IVF if they believe they are ready to start a family.

“Don’t be afraid of people judging you. In this kind of relationship, acceptance is not always easy,” said Digo, who has been married to Bacyadan since 2022.

“But if you love each other and know you can build a family like a normal couple, push through. It’s not easy. It’s expensive. It’s painful in every aspect. But it’s worth it.”

Bacyadan stressed that for now, the medals can wait. Instead, the prized boxer who once stood beneath the bright Olympic lights is preparing for sleepless nights, lullabies and diaper changes.