Team Philippines to hold one-month training in Metz ahead of Paris 2024

The Olympic-bound Philippine delegation will have a month-long training in the French city of Metz in hopes of adapting to the environment and playing conditions in Paris.

“You have to be there na para andun na mismo sa venue. Last year, we signed a contract. Isa yung La Moselle Metz sa mga may magandang facilities,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino said in an interview in One News’ The Long Take. 

The camp will be held from June 22 to July 22 in the prefecture of the Moselle department, located an hour and 20 minutes away from Paris by train.

Tolentino recalled how the POC ultimately decided to plan a month-long camp to keep our national athletes familiarized with the actual venue and competition. 

“That was two years ago, nag scout na ako. Hindi natin nagawa sa Tokyo kasi bawal nga so gawin natin ngayon sa Paris. Hindi naman pwede yung darating tayo dun [ng] three days before” he bared.

“You have to adjust [to the] weather, jetlag, food etc. Hindi pwedeng maging dahilan yung iba na yung pagkain, kumulo ‘yung tiyan, etc.” 

 Among the other features of the Metz camp include gyms, sports labs, medical facilities, and kitchens.

 The POC chief also said Metz will also be able to help find appropriate training facilities for each athlete’s sport while simultaneously leaning on the camaraderie and strong bond that will be formed among the contingent during that period. 

 “Yan ang malaking factor sa Team Philippines, may bonding, magkakasama sa training etc.” 

 So far, Team Philippines has 15 athletes who secured a spot in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 such as EJ Obiena (Pole Vaulting), Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio (Boxing), Carlos Yulo (Gymnastics), Sam Catantan (Fencing) and more. 

[ALSO READ: LIST: Filipino athletes qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024]

Paalam and Petecio will serve as Philippine flag bearers in Paris 2024.

ALSO READ: Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio to serve as Philippine flag bearers in Paris 2024]

Story Summary:

• The Philippine Olympic delegation will train in Metz, France, from June 22 to July 22 to acclimate to the environment and conditions in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympics. The camp, located an hour and 20 minutes from Paris, offers excellent facilities, including gyms, sports labs, medical centers, and kitchens.

• Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino emphasized the importance of this pre-Olympic camp for familiarizing athletes with the venue and competition conditions. This proactive approach contrasts with the Tokyo Olympics, where similar preparations were not possible.

• The training camp in Metz aims to enhance team camaraderie and ensure athletes are well-prepared for the Olympics. Notable athletes in the delegation include pole vaulter EJ Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, and Nesthy Petecio, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and fencer Sam Catantan. Paalam and Petecio will be the flag bearers for the Philippines in Paris 2024.
  

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]