Dean Ziglar Barreiro: Kicking Through Limits, Striking for Gold

Article by: Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Graphics by: Setheleh Liam G. Ramos

Photo: Courtesy of Evangeline V. Barreiro

Under the bright lights, loud cheers, and unelucidated blood, sweat, and tears of the Ohama Daishin Arena, Mapúan Taekwondo athlete Dean Ziglar V. Barreiro carved his name into the international spotlight after capturing gold at the prestigious 21st Japan WATA Open Taekwondo Championship held last April 26 to 27.

In the semifinals bout, Barreiro faced a formidable opponent from Hong Kong, winning 9-0 in the first match and 15-2 in the second. Coming into the finals, he continued his hot streak against a fierce Pakistani fighter, winning by scores of 6-2, 11-2 in back-to-back matches, earning himself the much sought after gold without suffering a single loss.

More than just a win, Barreiro's victory in Osaka was the result of years of tireless training, mental toughness, and serious devotion to his love of the martial arts. Competing for the Philippines, he faced opponents who were taller, stronger, and physically more intimidating but he managed to reign triumphant—not through brute force—but through precision, patience, and strategy.

Barreiro shared that one of the moments that made a mark on him in the competition was meeting his opponents for the first time. “They were significantly bigger, and for a moment, that was daunting. But the adrenaline kicked in the moment I stepped onto the court, and I reminded myself of the hours of training I had put in,” Barreiro recalled. “Winning wasn’t just my own—it was a victory I shared with everyone who has stood by me.”

Barreiro’s performance in Osaka marks his second international gold, the first being at the Greater Bay Cup Taekwondo International Series in Macau, China last August 2024. While both competitions were stepping stones in his athletic journey, the WATA Open proved particularly demanding. “[This tournament] tested not only my physical capabilities but also my ability to adapt to a wide range of fighting styles and stay calm under pressure,” he noted. “Every match felt like a chess game. It was all about reading your opponent and executing the fundamentals with precision.”

As a taekwondo player since 2008, Barreiro's development as an athlete has been in parallel to his academic life. Now a 2nd year Architecture student at Mapúa University, one of the Philippines’ most rigorous academic institutions, his days are a delicate balancing act between studio plates and sparring sessions.

“Being a Mapúan student-athlete is extremely challenging,” Barreiro admitted. “Time management became a non-negotiable skill. The discipline required to juggle intense academic workloads and high-level athletic training has shaped not just my schedule, but my character.” He shared that at times, he will have to cram his academic works or train late at night but emphasized that these sacrifices nurture his resolve in achieving his goals.

His preparation for the WATA Open reflected a matured approach to competition. Rather than chasing high-risk, low-reward flashy techniques, Barreiro went back to basics. “I focused on identifying open targets rather than forcing kicks just to rack up points. It was about efficiency and staying grounded in the fundamentals.”

Now back on home soil, Barreiro is not resting on his repertoire of laurels. His eyes are set on more national competitions, even preparing for the up-and-coming NCAA Season 101 Taekwondo Tournament with the hope to take his performance to another level. “This is only the beginning,” he said. “My goal is to continuously improve, refine my skills, and represent my school and country with pride.”

With unparalleled discipline, a heart that beats for the sport, and a mind that is tuned in on the court and in the classroom, Barreiro represents a shining beacon of the modern student-athlete; one whose victories are not merely measured in medals and accolades, but in the quiet strength and lessons forged behind the competitive curtain.

As he continues his journey, one thing is certain: the arenas may change, the opponents may vary, but Barreiro’s dedication remains indelible and unshakable—and the best is yet to come.