After seven trips to the U.S. Amateur National Singles Championships and no gold medal in his beloved sport of racquetball, Philip Eliana was at what he called “the tipping point.” Keep trying, or give up. “You figure out, should I
After seven trips to the U.S. Amateur National Singles Championships and no gold medal in his beloved sport of racquetball, Philip Eliana was at what he called “the tipping point.”
Keep trying, or give up.
“You figure out, should I keep on setting goals, or should I quit?” he said.
It didn’t take long for the Hanamaulu man to decide: He believed in himself and what, at age 54, he could do.
“This is my turn, I’m going to take it,” he said.
And he did.
Eliana claimed the gold medal in the 50-plus C Singles Division division, as well as a bronze in the new Hero’s Open Doubles division, at the 47th U.S. National Singles Championships on Memorial Day weekend in Fullerton, Calif.
“Finally, I won the gold,” he said, smiling.
He said despite his determination to win, he didn’t know what to expect. So he didn’t focus on proving something, didn’t worry about pressure, but trusted in his training and ability. He decided “to discover what I’m really made of.”
“It’s really amazing how your mindset can dramatically change the outcome of your results,” said the 1977 Kauai High School graduate.
It was a long road to get there, made possible by disciplined exercise, grueling workouts and a meticulous diet. At 5 foot 3 inches, he weights a rock solid 150 pounds.
Eliana ended 2012-2013 as the U.S. All Military Racquetball Federation 50-plus Singles National Champion. In January, due to budget cuts, the U.S. Air Force Sports Command dropped racquetball from its 2014 national competition sports program. But in April, Staff Sgt. Eliana got a call that the team was reinstated and he was again selected to represent the Air National Guard service branch. It was his fourth consecutive year on the elite All U.S. Air Force Racquetball Team, along with eight others selected worldwide.
He had only a few weeks to prepare for the last and most prestigious tournament of the year called “The Finals,” and trained often at the racquetball court at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. When he arrived in Fullerton, he was ready.
“I knew I was in really good shape this year,” he said.
Over two days of action, Eliana swept through the competition to take two medals. Eight Air Force team members played and won 10 medals — six goals, one silver and three bronze. Seven earned a single medal and two, including Eliana, won two.
But Eliana credited many others for his success at the tournament that attracted about 300 players.
“I didn’t earn this national championship alone. It was truly a team effort,” he said.
His appreciation went to Air Force team members for pushing him to his limits, and to managers and co-workers at the Kauai Marriott Resort and the Kauai Bus for providing adequate time to train. He credited Les Jacinto and Kaipo Pavao for massages and chiropractic session, and Derek Borrero for speed, quickness and agility sessions. He thanked Kauai Athletic Club for its sponsorship, and friends for encouragement and support.
“And most especially, to my wife and soulmate, Marlene, my children and grandchildren for always being there for me and giving me the strength to keep on striving to reach my dreams.” he said.
