Three more Filipino athletes earn spots in 2024 Paris Olympics
paalamcarlo/Instagram, emma_malabuyo/Instagram, hergiebacyadan/Instagram
After Samantha Catantan recently made history as the first Filipino fencer to compete in the Olympics since 1992, three more world-class Filipino athletes have joined the 2024 Paris Olympics contingent.
Filipino American gymnast and UCLA varsity member Emma Malabuyo added to the excitement as she became the fourth gymnast to represent the Philippines at the Olympics, following Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan and Levi Jung-Ruivivar.
She clinched her Olympic berth on May 24 at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she bagged bronze in the individual all-around category.
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Taking to Instagram, Malabuyo expressed that she was terrified to go for her Olympic dream one last time, but thought she was “even more terrified of not trying at all.”
“From four world cups: Cairo to Cottbus to Los Angeles to Baku to Doha, and finally in Tashkent at Asian Championships, I did it,” she continued. “What a dream come true! I have never fought for something so hard in my life. Went out there with passion, fight, resilience and grit. I am so thankful to my family, who never stopped believing in me. To my Bruin family, to all my coaches, to the Filipino community, this is for you, and I am so honored to represent the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, from the heart-pounding ring battles, Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam emerged victorious once again.
With unwavering determination, the Cagayan de Oro boxer clinched victory at the Men’s 57 kg semifinals of the 2nd World Boxing Qualification in Bangkok, Thailand, solidifying his place in the Paris Olympics on June 1. His qualification increases the Philippine boxing contingent to four.
Following his decisive victory against India’s Sachin Siwach, Paalam expressed his gratitude on social media, writing, “Thank you so much, Lord.”
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Lastly, Hergie Bacyadan etched her name in Philippine sports history as she punched her way to the Paris Olympics. The former world champion in vovinam displayed her dominance in the women’s 75 kg category at the World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 2.
In a series of Instagram posts, the boxer wrote “PROUD PINOY” and “BOUND TO PARIS.”
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With each qualification, Filipino athletes continue to prove their mettle on the global stage, embodying the spirit of excellence and resilience. As the nation rallies behind these athletes, anticipation builds for the moments of triumph they will bring to Paris in July.
