By MARK REY MONTEJO
Ever since Nesthy Petecio brought glory to the country highlighted by a silver medal win in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, various changes occurred in different aspects of her life.
Though she had the choice to walk away from the ring after that brilliant showing, Petecio opted to keep going in her desire for another podium finish in the global sporting showcase.
No Filipino boxer has ever won an Olympic gold and that is the mission of Petecio when she competes in the Paris Olympics slated July 26 to Aug. 11.
But it won’t be easy.
Consistency more than gallantry, Petecio said, will play a key role in her mission.
“Sa totoo lang sobrang hirap i-maintain, pero lagi dapat ‘yong consistency sa sarili ‘yan ‘yong lagi kong gustong manatili sa akin,” said Petecio while watching co-Olympian Eumir Marcial’s homecoming bout at Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Saturday, March 23.
“Ang hirap sa totoo lang pero lagi ngang sinasabi na kapag may gusto ka palaging may paraan,” she added.
In the Tokyo Games, Petecio lost to Japan’s Sena Irie in their explosive featherweight bout (54-57kg).
That defeat and her lackluster performance in last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games in China are reasons why she wants to be consistent and focused.
The Santa Cruz, Davao Del Sur native stressed that her life has immensely been different since her stellar campaign in the capital city of Japan, saying it’s difficult to maintain but thankfully she kept her motivation
“Ayokong mag-expect pero ang akin lang gagawin ko ‘yong best. Ang akin lang pipilitin kong maguwi ng medalya kahit anumang kulay na kung ano pong ipagkakaloob ng Diyos sakin,” Petecio continued.
In the next few months, Petecio and the rest of the national team will hold a training camp in Colorado, USA before vying in the second Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand in May.
