Sports enthusiasts around the world have barely caught their breath, one sporting spectacle after another. But the grandest stage is set to return; the quadrennial meet returns with Paris as hosts set to ignite the global stage from July 26 to August 11.
For Filipino sports fans, the excitement is palpable. This year marks the Philippines' 100th participation in the Olympics—a historic milestone that coincides with an even more promising development: a larger-than-ever delegation set to carry the nation’s hopes and dreams.
The centennial team consists of 22 Filipino athletes from different fields poised to compete for honor in various disciplines. Featuring top contenders like pole vault sensation EJ Obiena, gymnastics wizard Carlos Yulo, boxing dynamos Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, and Nesthy Petecio, and weightlifter Vanessa Sarno.
World No. 2 pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena recently opened up on social media about his ongoing struggles to perfect his form for the Olympics. Despite battling physical challenges, Obiena remains optimistic that he can still deliver at the highest level on the biggest stage.
Philippine track and field is on the rise, with hurdlers Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino securing their Olympic berths. Hoffman, the national record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, and Tolentino, the men’s 110m hurdles record-holder, poised to make a stellar olympic debut.
Gymnastics will be represented by a talented quartet. Aleah Finnegan joining Carlos Yulo, as one of the highest-ranked eligible athletes for the Philippines. And the addition of Filipino-American Levi Jung-Ruivivar, who clinched her Olympic slot at the 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series, and Emma Malabuyo, fresh off a bronze medal at the Asian Championships, aiming to inspire the next generation in her Olympic debut.
The rich tradition of Philippine boxing continues with a formidable lineup. Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, and Nesthy Petecio headline the squad, joined by Aira Villegas and former wushu and vovinam standout Hergie Bacyadan eager to have a strong debut and contribute to the nation's boxing legacy.
In another combat sport highlight, Filipina-Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe will be making her return to the Olympic after securing one of the two continental quotas reserved for Asia.
Determined to fill the void left by the absence of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. The Philippine weightlifting team, fueled to make a strong mark this year's Games. Vanessa Sarno, a rising star with a top-10 world ranking, leads the charge alongside veteran Elreen Ando. Along with John Ceniza-the first male weightlifter to represent the country since 2016-who is determined to break new ground and pull off a podium finish in his Olympic debut.
The Philippines will also be represented in swimming, with Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch competing in their respective events. Sanchez, a two-time Olympic medalist for Canada, now making her debut for Team Philippines.
Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina will represent the Philippines in golf. Both seasoned LPGA Tour veterans, secured their ticket in the Paris Olympics through strong world rankings. Pagdanganan is making her second Olympic appearance, while Ardina will be making her debut on the quadrennial stage.
Pair of history-makers have also set their eyes on the Olympic prize. Fencer Samantha Catantan and Rower Joanie Delgaco.
After 32-long-years, Catantan brought the drought to an end after her dramatic 15-14 victory in the women's foil final of the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier.
Meanwhile, Joanie Delgaco etched her name in Philippine sports history by becoming the country’s first-ever Olympic rower after placing fourth in the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta.
The Philippines will also be fielding a strong delegation of para-athletes at the upcoming Paralympics in Paris, taking place right after the Olympics, from August 28 to September 8.
Leading the charge is swimming veteran Ernie Gawilan, a multiple-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist who's about to make a splash in his third Paralympics. Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, another seasoned athlete, brings years of experience to what will be his final Paralympic hurrah at 44.
Para-taekwondo Allain Ganapin will also be seeing action in Paris after securing a slot through the Asian Qualification Tournament. Joining him is newcomer Angel Otom, who is set to compete in her first Paralympics after bagging four golds at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games.
Agustina Bantiloc, defying expectations at 55, makes history as the first Filipino para archer to compete at the Paralympics. Javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, a multiple ASEAN Para Games gold medalist, joins the team, bringing her talent and determination to Paris.
Equipped with both seasoned veterans and skilled newcomers, this set of Filipino Olympians and Paralympians are ready to face off against the best of the best in Paris. Prepared to show their resolve on the international stage, inspiring pride and drive as the whole nation rallies behind them in their quest for Olympic success.