Filipino Olympians Win Gold and Bronze in 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics
The Philippines had a historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing two gold and two bronze medals. Here are the athletes who earned those medals:
Carlos Yulo
- Medals: Gold in Men’s Floor Exercise and Men’s Vault
- Hometown: Leveriza, Manila, Philippines
- Training: While he was born in Manila, Carlos Yulo moved to Japan in 2016 to train under coach Munehiro Kugimiya. He continues to train there at the Teikyo University in Tokyo.
- Future Plans: Yulo has expressed his intention to continue competing and aims to defend his titles in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He is also interested in exploring opportunities to promote gymnastics in the Philippines and inspire young athletes.
Nesthy Petecio
- Medal: Bronze in Women’s Featherweight Boxing
- Hometown: Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, Philippines
- Training: Petecio honed her boxing skills in her hometown and later joined the national boxing team, training at the Philippine Sports Commission facilities in Manila.
- Future Plans: Petecio has not publicly announced her retirement and may continue to compete. She is also passionate about advocating for women in sports and inspiring young Filipinos.
Aira Villegas
- Medal: Bronze in Women’s Flyweight Boxing
- Hometown: Villasis, Pangasinan, Philippines
- Training: Villegas started boxing at a young age and trained with the national boxing team in Baguio City.
- Future Plans: Villegas is expected to continue her boxing career and aims to compete in future international tournaments, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She also hopes to use her platform to promote boxing and encourage young athletes in her province.
These athletes’ achievements have brought pride and inspiration to the Philippines. Their dedication, perseverance, and talent have made them role models for aspiring athletes across the country.
The Filipino Olympians in the past Summer and Winter Olympics
While the Philippines first participated in the Olympics in 1924, it wasn’t until 1928 that they won their first medal. Here’s a look at the Filipino Olympians who have achieved medals in the Summer Olympics since then:
1928 Amsterdam Olympics
- Teófilo Yldefonso: Bronze in Men’s 200m Breaststroke
- Yldefonso, known as the “Ilocano Shark,” was from Piddig, Ilocos Norte.1 He learned to swim in the Guisit River.
- He was the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal and the first Asian to win an Olympic medal in swimming.2
1932 Los Angeles Olympics
- Teófilo Yldefonso: Bronze in Men’s 200m Breaststroke3
- Yldefonso defended his bronze medal from the previous Olympics.
- Simeon Toribio: Bronze in Men’s High Jump
- Toribio hailed from Bohol.4 He was a student at the University of Southern California when he competed.
- José Villanueva: Bronze in Men’s Bantamweight Boxing
- Villanueva was from La Union. He learned to box from his older brother.
1964 Tokyo Olympics
- Anthony Villanueva: Silver in Men’s Featherweight Boxing5
- Anthony was the son of José Villanueva (1932 bronze medalist). He was born in Cabanatuan City.
1996 Atlanta Olympics
- Mansueto Velasco: Silver in Men’s Light Flyweight Boxing6
- Velasco was from Bago City, Negros Occidental.7 He started boxing at a young age and was inspired by his older brother, Roel, who was also a boxer.
2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics
- Hidilyn Diaz: Silver in Women’s 53kg Weightlifting
- Diaz is from Zamboanga City.8 She made history by winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines in 2020.9
2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Hidilyn Diaz: Gold in Women’s 55kg Weightlifting
- Diaz solidified her legacy as one of the greatest Filipino athletes of all time.
- Nesthy Petecio: Silver in Women’s Featherweight Boxing
- Petecio became the first Filipina boxer to win an Olympic medal.10
- Carlo Paalam: Silver in Men’s Flyweight Boxing
- Paalam, from Cagayan de Oro City, started boxing at a young age to help his family.
- Eumir Marcial: Bronze in Men’s Middleweight Boxing
- Marcial is from Zamboanga City. He is also a member of the Philippine Army.
Winter Olympics
The Philippines has yet to win a medal in the Winter Olympics. Figure skater Michael Christian Martinez holds the distinction of being the first Southeast Asian to compete in the Winter Olympics (Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018).11
This list showcases the growing success of Filipino athletes on the global stage. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes in the Philippines.
