Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino is taking a hands-on approach as he leads the 22-man Philippine team to the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking the country’s centenary participation in the Games.
Under Tolentino’s leadership, several firsts have been achieved for Team Philippines, which could be the best-equipped delegation ever to do battle in the French capital.
One of the key initiatives was the establishment of a unified training camp in Metz, France, a month before the Olympics. This camp allowed Filipino athletes from various disciplines to bond and build camaraderie before moving into the Olympic Village.
“In the actual competition, they won’t have much time to see each other. The Metz’ training camp fostered bonding, highlighting teamwork and the Filipino spirit,” said Tolentino, who previously oversaw the country’s first Olympic gold medal win by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Unlike in past years, Filipino athletes are now receiving ample support, training, and motivation.
Tolentino expressed high confidence in the current batch of Olympians, confident they can surpass the 1-2-1 medal haul (one gold, two silvers, one bronze) from Tokyo.
Team Philippines’ success in Tokyo was a historic moment, with Diaz-Naranjo securing the first gold and boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial bagging two silvers and a bronze, respectively.
At the Metz’ camp, Tolentino and POC officials were actively involved, checking on the equipment and even handling the groceries to meet the athletes’ needs.
As both POC chief and Mayor of Tagaytay City, Tolentino again promised house-and-lot rewards for any Filipino athlete winning a gold medal in Paris, continuing the tradition he started for the Tokyo 2020 medalists.
“The medalists in Tokyo received houses and lots, so we’re doing it again for Paris,” he said.
The Tagaytay compound where the boxers’ homes are located has been aptly named Olympic Village.
“We will definitely surpass Tokyo. Whether it’s one, two, or three golds, we will exceed our previous achievements. The athletes are in high spirits and have leveled up. I’d like to thank the Philippine Sports Commission, our private partners, and the Office of the President,” added Tolentino.
The 22 athletes, including world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, and a five-member boxing team, are set to achieve greatness in Paris. Other competing athletes will participate in track and field, gymnastics, weightlifting, swimming, rowing, golf, and fencing.
The Paris Olympics, running from July 26 to August 11, will give Yulo the opportunity to secure the first medal for the Philippines in the French capital.
