In a historic moment for Filipino sports, Anton Ignacio, emerged as the champion in the Novice Runabout 1100 Stock category at the SBT WGP-1 International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals, held in Lake Havasu, Arizona, USA, Oct. 2 to 8, 2023.

Anton, 17, is the youngest Pinoy title holder in the jet ski racing arena to achieve such a win in the runabout category in the 42-year history of the competition. He is a Grade 12 student at La Salle Greenhills.

In addition to the world championship, Anton achieved the Top 2 position in the Runabout Naturally Aspirated category and is in the Top 8 in the Amateur Runabout 1100 Stock Class.

“Actually, this is only my second year competing, so I wasn't really expecting anything. I was surprised, but going into this race, I felt like I just wanted to give it my all,” he said in an interview with Manila Bulletin.

He described how he achieved the victory.

“I knew that I had practiced hard enough. So, I had a feeling that I would win, but it wasn't a 100 percent certainty. Because all of these people, my competitors, are really good in the sport. And then I won. It's a big accomplishment, especially considering how I balance my studies with practicing jet ski racing. We practice in Subic Bay every weekend, and on weekdays, in addition to schoolwork, I engage in weight lifting for strength."

His training regimen would often take him to Mindoro, where they have a resort in Calapan, and to Subic Bay.

“Really, the biggest challenge for me is my fellow competitors. They’re all the best of the best from different countries. So, I really had to prepare physically. In between the days I train, I also have school. It's all about finding a balance.”

When asked if his dedication to the sport gets in the way of his studies, Anton replied, “Actually, jet skiing has taught me the importance of concentration and giving my all in everything I do. So, in a way, I've learned to balance and be responsible both in academics and sports."

Anton also acknowledges that his feat would not have been possible without the support of his parents, Joyce and Bombet, his coach BJ Ang of Networx Jetsports, and his crew – mechanic Attapon Kunsa of 777 Performance (Thailand), Jumbo Tuner (Thailand), Mark Magsaysay (head crew), Dylan Puglisi, and Todd Becerra of ProPrecision Sand and Off-Road (US).

All in the family

One can say that Anton’s foray into the world of high-speed water sports is in his blood. His father, Bombet Ignacio, is an international jet ski racer himself, recently securing sixth place in the Amateur 1100 Stock Category of the 2019 IJSBA World Finals in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

“When he crossed the line and got the championship, I really cried,” said Bombet during an interview with the press when Anton and his team returned to the Philippines from the USA last November 2023. “It is really sweeter pala talaga pag yung anak mo ang nanalo (It is really sweeter indeed when your child is the one who won).”

Joyce Ignacio is a proud mom as well. “Words cannot express how proud I am of my son, Anton. It’s a mixture of bittersweet tears remembering everything we have gone through from the start of his racing career until he won the World Champion title. I know this is just the start of an even brighter sports career for him and his dad and I will always make sure we are there for him every step of the way.”

After his success in the World Finals, the young athlete has no time to rest, as he is now preparing for the upcoming Jet Ski National Tour in Subic on January 2024.