The 2024 Summer Olympics was beyond a historical spectacle in the world of sports. Held in Paris, France, the City of Love sparked passion anew not only for the international audience watching from the sidelines and behind their screens, but through the rekindled opportunity for Olympians to go full throttle and spotlight their physical prowess after the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among the 10,500 Olympic qualifiers were 22 world-class Filipino athletes who brought their A-game to the world’s biggest sporting event. As they represented their home country with immense pride, the Philippine Olympic team has undoubtedly made outstanding progress since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, marking yet another unforgettable milestone in Philippine sports.
Having made history in Philippine Gymnastics and as a Filipino Olympian, Carlos Edriel Yulo, nicknamed “Caloy,” astonished millions of Filipinos as he returned home with not one, but two gold medals!
Yulo started his gymnastics career at Club Gymnastica in Kapitolyo, Pasig, and joined his first competition in the 2010 Palarong Pambansa. Not long after, the gymnast gained recognition on the International stage.
He entered the 2020 Tokyo with high hopes, but fell short of becoming a medalist. In an interview with Inquirer, Caloy talked about the lessons learned from his experience. “I realized that your greatest opponent is yourself…if you don’t focus on what you do, you are bound to finish last.” In preparation for the next Olympics, Caloy followed a rigorous daily training schedule with his Japanese coach, Kugimiya Munehiro.
Eventually, the Paris Olympics came around, and he qualified for finals in the Floor Exercise, his known specialty. He first took a deep breath of determination, and performed his routine. The seamless moves left judges and audiences with their mouths agape, stunned at his precision. Shortly after, his first gold win was announced; it was an emotional moment for the gymnast and his supporters alike.
Next up was the Vaulting Table—another daunting challenge; a challenge Caloy proved he could conquer. From his run towards the Reuther Board and the timing of his leap, he displayed yet another exemplary performance, obtaining his second gold medal. As Caloy won the hearts of many Filipinos across the internet, he soon became known as the “Golden Boy.”
Aside from the wonders of Philippine gymnastics, the Philippines’ boxing industry has also produced many of the country’s greatest athletes—both Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas qualified for the women’s 57kg and 50kg semifinals, respectively, both having successfully secured bronze!
Before becoming a local boxing icon, Nesthy Petecio came from humble beginnings as she helped her family of farmers earn by selling fertilizer. She discovered her love for boxing through her father, and roped her way up the national team after winning a match against a male boxer in Davao City. She proceeded to compete in the 2011 and 2013 SEA Games, and also competed in the 2020 Tokyo edition of the Olympics, having wound up a silver medalist.
Petecio started her Paris 2024 game strong as her attentiveness and accuracy made her a force to be reckoned with. As an athlete in her 30s, experience allowed her to prevail over taller opponents. She lost to Julia Szeremeta of Poland by a score of 4-1, but nonetheless, Petecio quoted: “I am so blessed. This is very important for me because maybe this is my last Olympics.” She went on further to thank her family, partner, and supporters.
Another rising star from Tacloban, Aira Villegas’ passion also sprouted from a desire to support her family, prompting her to move to the city to join the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABA), and soon after, compete in the IBA Women’s World Championships pre-pandemic. Moving forward to Paris 2024 was all worth it, as her powerful punches and swift, fluid movements propelled her to the semifinals.
Despite being ousted by rising star Buse Naz Çakıroğlu of Turkey by a score of 0-5, Villegas’ perseverance left an impression on Filipino audiences as a first-time Olympian and medalist. She claims she was not super disappointed by her performance as she still did her best. “Sa lahat po ng Pilipino na, again, napuyat, I’m sorry. Nakapag-uwi po ako ng medalya, sana po proud pa rin kayo sa akin.”
Of course, not only the medalists hailing from the motherland are worthy of praise for their efforts. World No. 3 pole vaulter EJ Obiena entered Paris 2024 with heavy expectations that he would cut gold, but was instead met with a close call at fourth place, just behind Greek athlete Emmanouil Karalis. His disappointment was evident after the contest, but he updated his fans on what’s next for him in an Instagram post. “...In sports with three podium places, perhaps 4th is the harshest place to be. I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me and cost a nation I so deeply love—the podium.” He quoted in his caption.
Yet, Obiena has hope for the future. “I learned a long time ago to take one day at a time, and that’s exactly what I am going to do…”The good get up” as they say. I have been knocked down. But I will get back up.”
The Philippine government and private companies have given numerous incentives to the Filipino Olympians, from cash to brand deals and lifetime offers. President Marcos affirmed that the athletes deserved 1 million pesos each, citing Olympic qualification as an extremely significant and difficult achievement.
Overall, the Paris 2024 games were truly a testament to the fine performance caliber and diverse capabilities of our fellow Filipinos. We thank EJ Obiena, Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial, Hergie Bacyadan, Aira Villegas, Carlos Yulo, Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi-Jung Ruivivar, Bianca Pagdanganan, Dottie Ardina, Samanthan Catantan, Kiyomi Watanabe, Jarod Hatch, Kayla Noelle Sanchez, Joanie Delgaco, Elreen Ando, John Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno for their dedication to defy the odds and showcase what it means to be proudly Pinoy.
Story by Anika Uy and Kandace Cantor;
Graphics by Rachel Chua
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