Sean Lawrence Hipolito secured another silver medal after earning second place in the U53kg Men’s Junior division at the 2025 DEWFOAM PSPL Luzon Meet on October 18, 2025, at St. Vincent Gym, Baguio City.
The second-year Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy student-athlete shared his journey leading up to the competition and how his hard work paid off.
“Preparing for this competition was one of the hardest things I’ve done,” Hipolito said. “I got sick during midterms and it lasted until competition week.”
He felt as though everything was working against him, but he refused to quit.
His determination paid off when he surpassed his previous record from his first competition. “That moment made me realize how far I’ve come and how much stronger I’ve grown—not just physically, but mentally too,” he said.
Hipolito also credited his coach and teammates for pushing him to perform at his best, noting that their support showed him the true meaning of reward in sports. “It wasn’t just about numbers anymore; it was about growth, perseverance, and passion,” he added.
Although the Baguio-based competition was a Luzon-level meet, he recalled competing alongside world-level lifters. This motivated him to stay humble and appreciate the opportunity to stand with strong athletes.
Hipolito aims to keep improving and continue representing the University of Batangas in future powerlifting meets. His path toward becoming an elite powerlifter continues to unfold, fueled by discipline, patience, and an unwavering drive to push beyond his limits.