SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday congratulated and encouraged the 21 Filipino athletes comprising Team Philippines who are currently competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, saying that they are all winners in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people.
“Let me address our athletes and say that you are all winners in the hearts and minds of every Filipino watching the Paris Olympics today. Ipinagmamalaki namin kayo at nagpapasalamat sa inyong pakikipagtagisan ng galing laban sa pinakamagagaling na atleta sa buong mundo,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.
“Your stories of sacrifice and triumph serve as powerful reminders to all hopeful Filipinos of what can be accomplished when one pushes their limits. As you compete, know that your entire nation stands behind you, cheering for your success and celebrating your journey,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.
Team Philippines hopes to match or even surpass the country’s performance in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Filipino athletes brought home 14 medals, including the nation’s historic first-ever gold medal by Hidilyn Diaz in the women’s 55kg category in weightlifting.
Speaker Romualdez said the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in full support of the journey of Filipino athletes in the Olympics.
“At the House of Representatives, we remain committed to supporting Filipino athletes, recognizing the immense potential and talent that our athletes possess, and we are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and support to help you excel on the world stage,” the lawmaker from Leyte said.
“Hindi lamang karangalan at papuri ang hatid ng atletang Pinoy sa ating mga kababayan sa buong mundo, dala din nila ang inspirasyon sa bawat kabataang Pilipino na nais magpunyagi at sumabak sa pandaigdigang laban sa palakasan,” he further noted.
Although Olympic gold medalist Diaz did not qualify for the Paris Olympics, the Philippine delegation consists of three other medalists in the Tokyo Olympics: boxers Eumir Marcial (bronze in Tokyo), Nesthy Petecio (silver in Tokyo) and Carlo Paalam (silver in Tokyo).
They are joined by world-class athletes gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, rower Joanie Delgaco, boxers Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan, hurdlers Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino, swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarrod Hatch, gymnast Aleah Finnegan, fencer Samantha Catantan, and 14 other Filipino Olympians.
“You carry with you the hopes and dreams of an entire nation, and we are confident that you will represent the Philippines with honor and dignity. We look forward to celebrating your successes in Paris! Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!” Speaker Romualdez declared.
