THE City of Lights was the stage, and the Philippines was ready to shine. The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a pivotal moment for Philippine sports, a testament to the nation’s growing athletic prowess and unwavering pursuit of Olympic glory.
From the bustling metropolis of Manila to the iconic Eiffel Tower, the journey of the Philippine delegation was a microcosm of the nation’s spirit. The athletes, a diverse group hailing from different corners of the archipelago, carried the hopes and dreams of millions. Yet they were united by a common goal: to raise the Philippine flag high above the Olympic arena.
And raise the flag they did. After more than 10 days of competing with other athletes across the globe, Team Philippines has secured several medals that duly recognize its members’ skill, determination, and passion for their respective sport.
After securing four medals, the Philippines ranked 37th in the updated 2024 Paris Olympics medal table, tying with Hong Kong.
The United States of America leads the medal table, with 27 gold medals, 35 silvers, and 32 bronzes. China, Australia, host France, and Great Britain completed the top five.
Filipino gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo bagged the first medal for the Philippines. He etched his name in Philippine sports history with a golden performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The diminutive gymnast defied gravity and expectations, capturing two gold medals.
Yulo’s floor exercise routine was a ballet of power and precision, earning him the highest score in the competition. It was electrifying to witness him execute his signature flips and twists with effortless grace. A day later, Yulo’s explosive power on the vault propelled him to another Olympic gold, solidifying his status as a global gymnastics sensation. His victory was a testament to years of relentless training and unwavering dedication, inspiring a nation to dream big.
Following Yulo’s footsteps in bringing home Olympic medals was boxer Aira Villegas. She won a hard-fought bronze medal in the women’s 50kg boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Tacloban native’s journey to the podium demonstrated resilience and determination. Despite a tough first round against Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Türkiye, Villegas showcased her fighting spirit by stunning her opponent with a knockdown in the second round. While she ultimately fell short of reaching the gold medal match, her bronze medal win brought immense pride to the nation and solidified her status as a rising star in Philippine boxing.
Another Filipino boxer who bagged an Olympic medal was Nesthy Petecio. She secured a bronze medal in the women’s boxing 57kg division at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Davao City pride, who previously clinched silver in the Tokyo Olympics, showcased her unwavering determination and exceptional boxing skills. Despite falling short of the gold medal match after a closely contested semi-final against Poland’s Julia Szeremeta, Petecio’s grit and resilience were undeniable. Her victory, a testament to her unwavering dedication and the unwavering support of the Filipino nation, added another chapter to her inspiring athletic journey.
Thanks to all the efforts of Yulo, Villegas, and Petecio, the Philippines secured four Olympic medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Besides the victorious athletes who bagged Olympic medals, those who performed valiantly in their respective undoubtedly brought pride and joy to the Philippines. EJ Obiena displayed incredible grit and determination, clearing heights that would have secured a medal in previous Olympics. However, the elusive bronze medal slipped through his fingers as he failed to clear 5.95 meters.
Although Obiena apologized for the results, fourth place is already an extraordinary feat despite the near-miss. It magnified the Filipino athlete’s immense pressure and talent, showing how much he grew as an athlete.
While the spotlight shone brightly on the medalists, other Filipino athletes showcased their grit and determination in Paris. Sam Catantan and Kiyomi Watanabe made commendable efforts in fencing and judo, respectively, though their Olympic journeys ended in the Round of 32. The gymnastics trio of Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Ruivivar valiantly represented the country in the preliminary round. In the boxing ring, Eumir Marcial and Hergie Bacyadan fought fiercely but bowed out in the Round of 16. Swimmer Kayla Sanchez made waves with her 15th overall finish, displaying the rising potential of Philippine swimming. While these athletes may not have clinched medals, their participation inspires and fuels the nation’s passion for sports, paving the way for future triumphs.
The journey of these athletes has been a testament to the power of perseverance. Each medal won, each record broken, has served as a beacon of hope, inspiring countless Filipinos to dream big and chase their passions. From the bustling metropolis of Manila to the quiet provinces, people from all walks of life have rallied behind their representatives, their cheers echoing across the nation.
