"They are truly an inspiration."
The performance of Filipino athletes in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a source of pride and honor for our countrymen, many of whom are again beset by the strictest lockdown due to the pandemic.
We copped a gold medal in Hidilyn Diaz (55-kg category weightlifting), a silver in Nesthy Petecio (featherweight boxing), and a bronze in Eumir Marcial (middleweight boxing).
And then, over the weekend, 23-year-old boxer Carlo Paalam took the silver medal in the men’s flyweight boxing finals.
This is an unprecedented year, indeed. It gives us something to be thankful for despite the fact we are still being brought to our knees by COVID-19.
Pandemic or no pandemic, however, our athletes’ victories are a testament that sheer perseverance and hard work do pay off in the end. There is no dearth of talent and ambition among us. We only need to be able to spot them, and give them support, including the wherewithal to train for competitions while also nurturing their well-being.
The four athletes and everybody who represented the Philippines in Tokyo deserve our gratitude and pride. They are truly an inspiration.
