The Philippines proudly marks its centennial anniversary as Southeast Asia’s first country to participate in the Olympics, coinciding with the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 1924 Olympiad centennial.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Team Philippines participated in the Parade of Nations on the Seine River, evoking memories of David Nepomuceno’s historic entry 100 years ago as the first Filipino Olympian carrying the Philippine flag. The 24-year-old sprinter specialized in 100m sprints and participated in the 100m and 200m dashes.
The Philippines is celebrating the centennial anniversary of its debut in the @Olympics, coinciding with the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 1924 Olympiad centennial. @OlympicPHI #Paris2024 #Olympics
Report via @GoodNewsPinas_ https://t.co/MgKxi9WB7h pic.twitter.com/cB1e32RAem— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) July 31, 2024
Today, the Philippine delegation boasts 22 athletes competing in 9 sports, aiming for another Olympic gold after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s groundbreaking victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
LIST: Filipino Olympians, Paralympians Vying For Sporting Glory in Paris Olympics
It took nearly a century for the Philippines to hear its national anthem in an Olympic stadium, celebrating its first Olympic champion. The country’s renowned resilience and grassroots initiatives paved the way for this momentous achievement.
Atom Araullo’s award-winning report, “Anatomy of Philippines’ First Olympic Gold Medal,” highlighted the journey: “The Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal, in a sport that is not popular in the Philippines, did not happen by accident. It was a journey that began three decades ago in Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City. Here, exceptional talent, visionary leadership, and an audacious grassroots program converged to give Hidilyn Diaz the boost she needed early in her career.”
RECAP: Olympics Results: Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gives Philippines its 1st Gold in 97 years
Over the years, Filipino Olympians have earned a total of 14 medals: 1 gold, 5 silver, and 8 bronze medals:
Gold:
- Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Silver:
- Boxer Nesthy Petecio, 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Boxer Carlo Paalam, 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, 2016 Rio Olympics
- Boxer Mansueto Velasco, 1996 Atlanta Olympics
- Boxer Anthony Villanueva, 1964 Tokyo Olympics
Bronze:
- Boxer Eumir Marcial, 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Boxer Roel Velasco, 1992 Barcelona Olympics
- Boxer Leopoldo Serantes, 1988 Seoul Olympics
- Hurdler Miguel White, 1936 Berlin Olympics
- High jumper Simeon Toribio, 1932 Los Angeles Olympics
- Boxer José Luis Villanueva, 1932 Los Angeles Olympics
- Swimmer Teófilo Yldefonso, 1932 Los Angeles Olympics
- Swimmer Teófilo Yldefonso, 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, first Olympic medal for the Philippines
On May 4 this year, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) celebrated the country’s 100-year participation in the Olympics, stating, “Today, as we commemorate our 100th year in the Summer Olympic Games, we honor our roots as one of Asia’s pioneers and Southeast Asia’s first Olympians. This milestone, coinciding with the 2024 Olympics and the 1924 Olympiad centennial in Paris, reflects our enduring legacy in sports and national pride.”
2024 Paris Olympics Update:
Filipino athletes continue to carry the nation’s hopes at the Paris Olympics. World artistic gymnastics champion Carlos Yulo has qualified for the finals in three events. Boxing champion Nesthy Petecio dominated her Round of 32 match and advanced to the Round of 16. Filipino Olympians in athletics, boxing, weightlifting, golf, and swimming are yet to compete.
WATCH the highlights of Team Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on Good News Pilipinas TV:
Join the celebration! Share this milestone story and cheer for our athletes as they aim for glory at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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