Paris - As the Paris Olympics continue, the Philippines marks the 100th anniversary of its first participation in the games, celebrating a century-long journey that includes a historical gold medal and multiple noteworthy performances.
According to Philippines News Agency, The Philippines first joined the Olympic Games in 1924 and has since secured 14 medals, including a groundbreaking gold in Tokyo 2021, an event notably held outside the traditional leap year schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first Filipino Olympic medalist was Teofilo Yldefonso, who won bronze in the 200-meter breaststroke in Amsterdam in 1928, and again in Los Angeles in 1932. Yldefonso, a lieutenant in the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts, tragically died during World War II after enduring the Bataan Death March.
Another early medalist, Simeon Toribio, who competed in high jump, won a bronze in 1932 after a disappointing tiebreaker in 1928. Toribio later served as a congressman, contributing significantly to public life beyond his athletic achievements.
The tradition of Olympic boxing excellence began with Jose Villanueva, who earned a bronze in 1932. His son, Anthony Villanueva, continued the legacy by winning a silver in 1964, though his victory was marred by controversy. Anthony's career eventually transitioned to coaching, including mentoring future boxing legend Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.
Further boxing successes included Leopoldo Serantes and Roel Velasco, who both captured bronze in 1988 and 1992, respectively, and Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, who secured a controversial silver in 1996.
A significant breakthrough came with Hidilyn Diaz's silver in 2016, followed by her historic gold in 2021, marking the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal in weightlifting. This victory was complemented by silvers from Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and a bronze from Eumir Marcial in the same games.
Looking to the future, athletes like Carlos Yulo in gymnastics and EJ Obiena in pole vaulting are seen as strong contenders for medals in Paris, while a new generation across various sports holds the nation's hopes for continuing its Olympic legacy.