From Bahrain to General Santos: Charlie Ratcliff’s golden week for Team Philippines

It’s been a hectic but rewarding stretch for the Philippines’ junior athletes, with many juggling back-to-back competitions between the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain and the Batang Pinoy National Championships in General Santos City.

Among the standout performers was 16-year-old mixed martial arts prodigy Charlie Ratcliff, who captured gold medals in both mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu across the two major youth tournaments.

Ratcliff first made her mark in Bahrain, dominating the modern MMA event to secure a gold for Team Philippines. Upon returning home, she continued her winning streak at Batang Pinoy, clinching another gold in the juvenile girls GI 16–17 featherweight (48 kg) division and adding a bronze medal in the No-Gi 16–17 category of the same weight class.

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Speaking to the media, Ratcliff shared her pride in representing the country on both stages.

Asian Youth Games gold medalist Charlie Ratcliff went straight from Bahrain to General Santos City to compete in the Batang Pinoy jiu-jitsu. She won a gold in the Gi, and bronze in the No Gi 16-17 years old division | @spinph pic.twitter.com/OcCGHRhkgN

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) October 29, 2025

“In Bahrain, I was so honored—it was a great experience for me,” she said. “I prepared in the Philippines to simulate the time difference, so I didn’t get jet lag. But when I came back for Batang Pinoy, that’s when it really hit me.”

Charlie wasn’t the only Ratcliff making waves. Her brother Travis Ratcliff also represented the Philippines in Bahrain, where he earned a silver medal, before joining his sister in General Santos for the Batang Pinoy.

The siblings were accompanied by their mother, making the experience a memorable family affair.

“It’s so comfortable for me because we’re a family,” Charlie shared. “We have a strong bond together, and we really support each other.”

Their efforts come as part of a historic showing for Team Philippines, which wrapped up the Asian Youth Games campaign with seven gold, seven silver, and ten bronze medals.

To recognize their achievements, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Abraham Tolentino announced that medalists will receive financial incentives and top-of-the-line mobile phones. Gold medalists are set to take home ₱500,000, while silver and bronze medalists will receive ₱300,000 and ₱100,000, respectively.

With her dual triumphs and unwavering spirit, Charlie Ratcliff has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in Philippine combat sports—proving that dedication, family, and heart are a winning combination.

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