PARIS—Replicating the historic Olympic gold medal feats of Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 will be a formidable challenge, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“That’s why preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics must start now,” said Tolentino, who made history on Thursday by bringing together Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and Carlos Yulo for a momentous lunch along the Seine River, with the iconic Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
Tolentino identified gymnastics, weightlifting, and boxing as the Philippines’ most promising gold medal sports.
However, he emphasized the potential for other disciplines to achieve similar success.
“The formula used in weightlifting, gymnastics, and boxing has proven effective,” Tolentino said, referring to the support system of coaches, strength and conditioning experts, physiotherapists, and nutritionists. “We encourage other national sports associations to adopt this model.”
With 32 sports on the Paris 2024 program likely to be included in Los Angeles 2028, Tolentino expressed optimism about medal prospects in disciplines like shooting, archery, and taekwondo. He also highlighted the potential of cycling, especially with the construction of an International Cycling Union-standard 250-meter indoor velodrome in Tagaytay City, his hometown, scheduled for completion by mid-2025.
“Track cycling offers 12 gold medals here in Paris alone, which presents significant opportunities,” Tolentino said.
