By REYNALD MAGALLON
Two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio made sure to pay tribute to the heroes of the past who paved the way to the success that Philippine Sport is relishing in the present time.
The recipient of the President’s award, along with fellow Olympic medalist Aira Villegas, during the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night on Monday, Jan 27 at the Manila Hotel, Petecio gave her flowers to the past Olympians who were also honored during the event, in celebration of the country’s 100-year participation in the quadrennial meet.
“Sa mga veteran po pala na mga Olympians habang tinitingnan ko po kayo dito kanina, sabi ko sa sarili ko, ito yung mga taong naghubog sa pangarap ko, “ said the ever bubbly Filipina pugilist during her acceptance speech
“Ito yung mga taong bumuo sa pangarap ko na maging Olympian,” she added.
Petecio was just thankful to the past Olympians for inspiring her to become what she is today, even sharing that she, herself was honed under the hands of former Olympian, a bronze medalist at that, in her former coach Roel Velasco.
Velasco, like Petecio and Villegas, once brought honor to the country after he won a bronze medal in the light flyweight division in 1992 Barcelona Games.
“Most especially kay coach Roel. Gusto ko lang po ishare, when I was 15, si coach Roel po ang first coach ko sa national team. Frabe yung wisdom na shinare ni coach Roel sa akin, ang pagiging Olympian nya, kung paano nya nakuha iyon,” recalled Petecio.
According to Petecio, it was Velasco who instilled her foundations as an athlete – which to this day, even after winning a silver in 2020 Tokyo Games and a bronze in the 2024 Paris Games – remained the pillar of her values.
“Lagi nya sinasabi sa akin ‘STDDD’ – Sipag, Tiyaga, Determinasyon Disiplina at Dasal – at hanggang ngayon dala dala ko po iyon. ‘Yung motto niya na walang hinto hanggang walang ginto kay coach Roel Velasco po iyon,” said Petecio.
“Also kay coach Lito Velasco din na kasama ko nakuha ang silver sa Tokyo po. Sila Velasco brothers ang gumabaysa akin para makapag uwi ng medalya,” she added.
Petecio has her eyes set on the elusive gold as she intends to continue representing the county in the 2028 LA Olympics
