Obviously a head turner, this British Filipino student-athlete from the northern Philippines has more to offer than just his boy-next-door image. The young athlete is in the National University (NU) swimming team for the UAAP season 79.
Dyrham “Ham” Raga Palfrey was born on Jan. 21, 2000 to David Andrew Palfrey and Aurora Bautista Raga in San Carlos, Pangasinan. The 5-foot-10 finished grade 10 at Saint Columban’s College. He became popular and was featured in GMA news when his photo at the Palarong Pambansa 2016 held in Albay went viral. He finished with a silver medal in the annual national sports event and was tagged as “Pambansang Cutie.”
Dyrham started swimming at the age of six. “Swimming helps me maintain a healthy body” quips Ham (his nickname). Apart from swimming, he is also into basketball, chess and badminton.
His most unforgettable competition was in 2012 in Dagupan. He was barely 12 years old that time. In a relay event, he and his teammates won gold medal.
Asked about his popularity today, he says, “I want to thank whoever posted the pictures because of that the public recognized me. I feel great being one of the Palarong Pambansa cuties.”
As a swimmer, he looks up to American Olympian Michael Phelps. ”I like him because he has become the only swimmer with 23 gold medals in the Olympics and has established many world records.” Dyrham says.
He looks forward to joining international swimming competitions, perhaps SEA Games and the Olympics. – Paulo Manuel Fule, Photo courtesy ofTurbo Philippines.
