Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is encouraged by the increased number of Filipino athletes competing in the Paris Games this year compared to the number in Tokyo in 2021.
By far, 15 qualified Filipino athletes are set to participate in the Paris Games, with the largest delegation being the boxers: Paalam, Petecio, Marcial, and newcomers Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas.
Four gymnasts—Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo—will participate in the Paris Games. Three weightlifters — Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno—will also compete. Other qualified athletes include pole vaulter EJ Obiena, rower Joanie Delgaco, and fencer Sam Catantan.
At the Tokyo Games, which was delayed by the pandemic, Filipino athletes achieved historic feats. Nineteen athletes represented the Philippines, with weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz securing the nation’s first gold medal. Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam earned silver medals, and Eumir Marcial contributed a bronze to the Philippines’ collection.
Tolentino is confident that additional qualifiers will emerge in the coming weeks. One of them is Fil-Japanese athlete Kiyomi Watanabe, who has secured her position. Her position will be announced later this month.
“Definitely, we will surpass 19 because we have qualifiers from skateboarding, swimming, golf,” shared Tolentino.
The Filipino athletes will depart for the training venue in France on June 22. The Paris Olympics will begin on July 26.
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