POC chief Abraham Tolentino graces PSA Forum

The country’s top sports official graced the Forum of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) on Tuesday, July 16, prior to the kickoff of the Paris Olympics.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino appeared in the session at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Complex to deliver an update of the compact Philippine contingent.

Tolentino started off the forum by expressing that the Filipino athletes are of high morals and are already at the peak of their training despite some of them previously nursed injuries from their preceding tournaments prior to qualifying in the Paris Games.

Weightlifters John Ceniza faced a neck injury while Vanessa Sarno suffered pain in her shoulder and thighs. Tolentino assured they are training well and are in good condition.

“They are good. Actually, before I left Metz I provided them with supplements. A year's supply of whey protein supplements,” he added.

With the Paris Games set to start in a few days, Tolentino informed the media that the athletes will be entering the Athletes’ Village starting July 22, with the gymnastics and boxing team already allowed to proceed by July 20 while some will be extending their stay in the Metz training camp, such as athletics, as their competition won’t start until August 03.

The POC president also announced, through the Office of the President, that they will be handing out additional allowances to those who participated in the Metz.

“100 Euro per day. So, it is a big help for all the athletes and the coaches and officials during Metz,” Tolentino shared.

This year also marks a historic milestone with the Philippines celebrating its centennial anniversary of competing in the Summer Olympics. From the first Filipino athlete stepping to the Olympic arena and waving the Philippine flag in Paris to a larger Filipino delegation returning to the French capital to raise the flag on the world stage once again.

The Philippine delegation surpassed the 19 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 with 22 contenders competing in this year’s Summer Olympics.

The largest number of participants ever recorded was in 1972 with 53 athletes all in which came home empty-handed. Tolentino is positive that this year’s contingent are capable of bringing home medals to the country. He is hopeful that the Filipino contingent will deliver a worthwhile output and will surpass the Tokyo Olympics.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history as the first and only Philippine athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. The country’s other medals, all in boxing, were a silver courtesy of Nesthy Petecio, a silver medal by Carlo Paalam, and a bronze medal by Eumir Marcial.

“We will deliver, we will surpass the Tokyo records. With this template, with this preparation, we will definitely surpass the Tokyo Olympics record,” Tolentino said.

The 2024 Paris Olympics begin on July 26, Friday, with Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Nethy Petecio and Carlo Paalam as the Philippines’ flag-bearers.