MANILA – The Philippines will send a total of 22 athletes to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. This also marks the country's 100th year of participation in the Summer Games.
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| Photo courtesy: One Sports, Facebook/Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena |
Before the Paris Olympics start, here's the list of Filipinos who will try to bring home gold medals for the Philippines.
1. Eumir Marcial (Boxing)The 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist is looking for another Olympic medal as he fights at the middleweight division.
2. Nesthy Petecio (Boxing)After securing a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she will have the chance again to gain a medal. She will be seen in the 57 kg division.
3. Aira Villegas (Boxing)She will try to garner a medal as she steps in the Olympic stage for the first time. She will compete in the 50 kg division.
4. Carlo Paalam (Boxing)The 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist gained his spot in the Paris Olympics through the World Qualification Tournament held at Bangkok, Thailand. He will compete in the 57 kg division.
5. Hergie Bacyadan (Boxing)She protected her spot in the Paris Olympics at the World Qualification Tournament in Thailand. She will fight in the 75 kg division.
6. EJ Obiena (Pole Vault)The world's number two in men's pole vault is trying his luck to go home with a medal in the Paris Olympics.
7. Carlos Yulo (Gymnastics)He earned his spot at the Paris Olympics after his performance at Artistic Gymnastics World Championships last year.
8. Aleah Finnegan (Gymnastics)She was formerly a member of the United States women's national gymnastic team but now she will be at the Philippines team.
9. Levi Ruivivar (Gymnastics)She is now a member of the Philippine team in the Paris Olympics after shifting from representing the United States.
10. Emma Malabuyo (Gymnastics)She was also a former member of the United States National Team but now is decided to represent the Philippines.
11. Kiyomi Watanabe (Judo)This is her second Olympic appearance. She represented the Philippines at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
12. John Ceniza (Weightlifting)He is ready for his Olympic debut as he competes at the 61 kg division.
13. Elreen Ando (Weightlifting)After her incredible performance in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in Thailand, she's qualified to represent the Philippines.
14. Vanessa Sarno (Weightlifting)The 20 year old Southeast Asian Games gold medalist will try to grab a medal at the 71 kg division.
15. Joanie Delgaco (Rowing)She is the first female rower from the Philippines to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
16. Samantha Catantan (Fencing)For the first time since 1992, the Philippines is back in the fencing stage.
17. Bianca Pagdanganan (Golf)She is back in the Olympics stage after representing the country in 2020 Tokyo.
18. Dottie Ardina (Golf)The 30 year old golfer qualified at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
19. Kayla Sanchez (Swimming)The 23 year old swimmer will compete at the women’s 100m freestyle.
20. Jarod Hatch (Swimming)The 25 year old swimmer will contend in the men’s 100m butterfly.
21. Lauren Hoffman (Athletics)She is set to compete at the 400m hurdles.
22. John Cabang Tolentino (Athletics)In his Olympic debut, he will be seen at the 110m hurdles.
In the said list, because of their deep international experience, Marcial, Petecio, Paalam, Yulo and Obiena are the favorites to grab a medal at the Paris Olympics.
The Paris Olympics will start from July 26 until August 11.
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
