Preparations have begun for the Philippines' campaign in the 2028 Olympic Games, which would be held in Los Angeles, USA.
A historic double gold and two bronze medal finishes in Paris 2024 will be no easy feat to replicate come the Olympics Games Los Angeles 2028.
That’s why as early as now, newly-appointed Philippine Chef de Mission Ricky Vargas has laid out his plans for LA 2028.
Hearing about his appointment by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino, Vargas first counted the remaining time before the 2028 Olympics—which is three years and seven months to go.
Having been part of the Philippine delegation for the past four Olympics, Vargas now knows what it will take to have another successful go at the biggest sporting event in the world.
“We need to get our act together. I've been to four Olympics and... I think the most important role of the Chef de Mission is to build the team,” Vargas said in an interview on One News’ Play by Play. "And at the same time, be able to find solutions to bring up the best team."
The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) president also pointed out a key factor in Team Philippines’ success in Paris compared to previous Olympic campaigns.
“I think the best support we've gotten in the Olympics was in Paris,” said Vargas. “We brought our athletes to a camp one month before and we had a motivational speech from the President. He invited us to the Palace, he got all the athletes together, so I hope we can do that again during the journey all the way to the Olympics—get the government involved.
“I think we can get the private sector involved I think we can and of course, now the POC being there it's it's magical if we can able to do this,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Deuxième partie: Second batch of Paris 2024 Olympians get Palace welcome, incentives]
Looking ahead, the Philippines should have no shortage of athletes ready to vie for the gold medal, which includes double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, world no. 4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, as well as boxers and bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
[ALSO READ: Yearender: Carlos Yulo leaps to historic double gold for Philippines in Paris 2024]
Aside from the usual sports, Vargas also sees other areas where the country can succeed.
“Other than gymnastics, weightlifting, and boxing, the other combat sports we should be able to do well there—and dancing. If dancing is there we probably could do a lot better there.
But of course, the biggest goal or hope in mind for Vargas is to see Gilas Pilipinas play in the Olympics, since a huge Filipino community will be waiting for them in LA.
“If there's one hope I can is to be able to get Gilas to play in the Olympics,” said Vargas.
“I look forward to La where the whole Filipino community in LA—big community—will welcome the delegation,” he added.