MANILA – The Philippines has emerged as the premier Southeast Asian nation at the 2024 Paris Olympics, concluding the Games with impressive performances that secured a total of four medals, including two golds.
Star gymnast Carlos Yulo led the charge, clinching two gold medals, while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio each added a bronze, allowing the Philippines to outpace regional rivals Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in the medal standings.
Yulo, a standout in the gymnastics arena, and Villegas will represent the Philippines as flag bearers during the closing ceremony at the iconic Stade de France.
In addition to Yulo and Villegas, a talented roster of Filipino athletes showcased their skills across various sports. Highlights included pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena and gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo. Boxers Hergie Bacyadan, Eumir Marcial, and Carlo Paalam also competed fiercely, alongside rower Joanie Delgaco and weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, and Elreen Ando. The contingent further featured fencer Samantha Catantan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, hurdlers John Cabang Tolentino and Laura Hoffman, swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch, and golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina.
Despite strong efforts, Obiena and Pagdanganan narrowly missed podium finishes, taking fourth place in their respective events.
In comparison, the Philippines’ performance at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where it secured one gold and three other medals, marked a significant improvement in its athletic prowess on the world stage. In Tokyo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz notably earned the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.
Meanwhile, the United States solidified its dominance in the Games, matching China’s record of 40 gold medals following a thrilling women’s basketball final. The US edged past host France 67-66, capping off a dramatic day after the men’s team had previously clinched gold.
The overall medal table saw Japan take third with 20 golds, followed by Australia, France, and several other nations. Notably, the Refugee Olympic Team also made headlines, with Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba securing a bronze in women’s boxing.
A total of 10,714 athletes from 206 nations competed in 329 events across 32 sports during the Games, showcasing the spirit of athleticism and unity.
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming Paralympics, set to take place from August 28 to September 8, Filipino athletes including Jerrold Pete Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano are poised to continue the nation’s Olympic legacy.
With a remarkable showing in Paris, the Philippines now looks forward to building on this success in future international competitions.