FIL-AM karate sensation Joane Orbon can’t wait to represent the country in the coming Tokyo Olympics.

Orbon believes she has trained long and hard enough to compete for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to represent the country in the world’s biggest sporting stage.

“Living almost three months in training camp at Istanbul, I have been fully focused on this Olympic qualifier,” wrote Orbon on her Facebook page three days before the final Olympic qualifier.

“Those who know how training camp life is, it’s training six days a week, twice a day. No excuses. No breaks. Away from friends and family and any form of distraction,”added Orbin

Orbon, who appeared on social media for the first time in a long while, said she took a different approach to her preparation this time

“Those who understand this sport understand that this is required to become the best; being OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE – away from home –away from everyone,” wrote Orbon.

“It has been a physically and mentally taxing process consisted of constant strength and conditioning development at the gym and track, complementary to the technical development in the closed dojo with high- level training partners. The program has been prepared carefully to maximize athletes’ physical potential.”

“Many that have known me personally have seen me at the beginning of my Olympic campaign in 2016. This has been a long process with so many sacrifices and heartbreaks that has pushed me to grow and mature beyond any other 26-year-old has.”

“And though, I will not fully know what my results may be following June 12th, the four-year process preparing for this moment has been historic in so many ways for everyone have been a part of it. “

Orbon noted the all-out support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Commissioner Mon Fernandez “for supporting the athletes wholeheartedly and providing all funds necessary for success”; and Karate Pilipinas and President Sensei Richard Lim for” believing and being dedicated in the representation of the Philippines karate athletes at the world stage.”

She also thanked head coach Sensei Okay Arpa “for directing me and pushing me to be the high level, professional athlete that I am” and coach Sonny Montalvo “for conditioning me to be the strongest and explosive I’ve ever been in my life.”

Orbon also mentioned the support of her family who “have seen me rise and fall and have caught me each time:; and Captain Xyruz Cruz, Ram Macaalay, Ivan Agustin, and Jamie Lim.

“Also the karate community who has always pulled through and supporting all that I’ve done and been about.”

In 2019, Orbon switched federation from the United States to he Philippines.

The 26-year-old stunner from San Jose, California said she has no regrets losing her coveted qorld No. 6 ranking when she was a member of the United States team and now starting from scratch when she decided to represent the Philippines.

“When I switched countries from the US to the Philippines, they remove all my points and I’m no longer No. 6,” said Orbon during her appearance in the “Usapang Sports on Air” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) last November.

“As I remain in good physical and mental shape, I have no doubt I am capable of competing for the remaining slots to Tokyo and represent our country,” Orbon, who traces her roots in Ilocos and Bicol, said in the same weekly public service program.

Orbon, who captured the gold medal in the Ukraine Karate Premier League Kharkiv Open last year, said she needs to finish in the Top 3 in the 61-kilogram class in the final Olympic qualifying in Paris on June 11-13.