An emotional Meggie Ochoa celebrates winning gold in the Asian Games women’s 48kg jiu-jitsu in Hangzhou, China. -ASIAD POOL

Meggie Ochoa made a life-changing move to end her career as a national athlete, but that doesn’t mean the three-time jiujitsu world champion won’t be grappling competitively on the mat anymore.

“I just retired as a national athlete, but I can still compete on my own,” Ochoa, said. “The commitment of being on the national team is really demanding, you should be ready to make sacrifices.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Perhaps, the 34-year-old Asian Games gold medalist feels she has a bigger task ahead than winning more medals internationally.

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA: RHJ's show of frustration not a concern for Chot Reyes, TNT SPORTS Troy Rosario joins Gilas pool ahead of Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers SPORTS Meggie Ochoa hangs up her gi to give back to the young

Ochoa will pour most of her efforts now on coaching the national youth team with coach Chris Gallego and grow her own club—Solas Jiu jitsu.

“You’re just traumatized when you have these losses. At some point, you’re just glad you’re alive,” said Don Hornstein, an insurance law expert at the University of North Carolina. “And then, you have to turn to the business side of this. It’s tough.”

“I cannot perform these commitments if I stay on as a national athlete,’’ said Ochoa, expressing her gratitude to the coaches and teammates who accompanied her on a storied journey.

Article continues after this advertisement

After capturing a World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship title in 2014 as a white belt, Ochoa achieved a hat-trick with back-to-back triumphs in 2015 and 2016 as a blue belt.

Article continues after this advertisement Golden girls

The Ateneo alumnus likewise ruled the women’s ne-waza -45kg in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan and clinched the gold in the women’s -48kg during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I initially thought of competing again in the 2026 Asian Games or see action in another world championship,” she said before making the decision to coach. “I had several plans in mind, but God has other plans for me.’’

Ochoa’s retirement from the national team will end an era of competing and winning with fellow world champion Annie Ramirez on the international scene.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We have been teammates since I started [competing for the national team]. Most of our big victories were simultaneous, I will forever cherish those memories,’’ said Ochoa.

Ramirez celebrated with Ochoa after striking gold in the women’s ne-waza 55kg during the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and also won in the previous Asian Games by topping the 57-kg category.

jackpot master

Ochoa formed part of the Team Philippines coaching staff during the 2024 JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Championships in Heraklion, Greece, where Filipinos brought home three gold, one silver and eight bronze medals.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“For memanila game, it’s one of the most eye-opening competitions that I’ve been to. Our teams and our athletes, both the adult and youth, have really progressed,’’ said Ochoa.

READ NEXT In battle of two teams with very little at stake, Bossing bea... ‘Tito’ Angelo refuses to be counted out, vows best fight v... EDITORS' PICK Siargao Island Medical Center: Transforming healthcare for Surigaonons Magnitude 4.1 earthquake jolts Southern Leyte Thousands across Gaza celebrate ceasefire deal PH consulate offers emergency services to Filipinos affected by LA fires Darryl Yap’s motion to consolidate ‘Pepsi Paloma’ cases filed by Vic Sotto denied Project ARTE leads the way in rehabilitating women PDLs MOST READ Mall guard sacked for destroying young girl’s sampaguita for sale INQToday: Marcos stance on Duterte impeachment ‘unchanged’ amid Enrile’s remarks Darryl Yap’s motion to consolidate 'Pepsi Paloma' cases filed by Vic Sotto denied MMFF 2024: ‘And the Breadwinner Is,’ ‘Green Bones’ top box office Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments

• to
• manila game
• Meggie
• Ochoa
• Hangs