By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino expressed supreme confidence in the Filipino athletes’ chances in next week’s Paris Olympics, saying the country cab eclipse its previous medal haul in Tokyo edition three years ago.
Tolentino, back in the country after overseeing the PH team’s training in Metz, France since late last month, said his projection is based on the quality and quantity of athletes that qualified in the biggest sporting spectacle.
“Conservatively and God-willing, we will surpass the Tokyo record,” said Tolentino during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, July 16, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Definitely, we will deliver,” added Tolentino in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment in the Philippines.
At the pandemic-delayed Games in Japan in 2021, nineteen athletes qualified and went on to win one gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
This time in Paris, there will be 22 Filipino athletes competing in nine sports including four medalists and seven returning Olympians.
Though he did not specify the number or color of medals that Filipino athletes could win, Tolentino believes the Filipino athletes are capable of delivering performances to remember.
Based on the latest schedule, rower Joanie Delgaco will be the first Filipino to see action when the women’s single sculls heat events take place in the morning of July 27. Two-time world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo is also set to compete in the all-around qualification on the same day early noon, while Tokyo Games bronze winner Eumir Marcial opens his campaign in the afternoon.
The participation is also a celebration of sorts as this will mark the country’s 100 years in the Olympic history. Sprint legend David Nepomuceno was the first Filipino to showcase the Filipino kind of spirit in the Olympics that was –interestingly – held in Paris.
“We’re excited for this 100 years of participation,” Tolentino said. “Ibang level na to. Iba na ang mood ng athletes. Level up na rin lahat, even the support from the government and the private sectors, so we’d also like to thank everyone who supported our athletes.”
Aside from the mentioned athletes, also competing are pole vaulter EJ Obiena, hurdlers Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang, boxers Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan, fencer Samantha Catantan, gymnasts Emma Malabuyo, Levi Ruivivar and Aleah Finnegan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch, and weightlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno.
Being eyed to produce medals are Obiena, Yulo, Petecio, Ceniza and Bacyadan.
