Paris-bound Filipino Olympians will spend a month in Metz, France for a dedicated training camp in preparation of the Olympics.
Nothing beats representing your country in the biggest stage of sports.
But being named as one of Team Philippines’ flag bearers in the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 is something Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam cherishes the most.
“Sobrang saya po na ‘di lang apelyido namin yung dala namin. Flag pa ng Pilipinas ‘yung dala namin sa Paris,” Paalam said as the Paris-bound Philippine delegation left the country early Saturday, June 22, to undergo a month-long training in Metz, France, in preparation for the Olympics.
[ALSO READ: Team Philippines to hold one-month training in Metz ahead of Paris 2024]
"Kapag lumaban ka at nanalo ka, marinig mo yung boses ng kanta ng Pilipinas, the best talaga,” Paalam added.
Paalam earned another shot at the Olympics with a unanimous decision against India’s Sachin Siwach in the men’s 57-kilogram division of the Second World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this month.
[ALSO READ: Bonjour! Carlo Paalam punches ticket to Paris 2024, becomes 14th member of Philippine Olympic team]
The 25-year-old boxer will help lead the Philippine Centennial Team during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. He will share flag-bearing duties with fellow Tokyo silver medalist, Nesthy Petecio.
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam honored to carry Philippine flag in Olympics]
Asked who does she fight for, Petecio answered without hesitation: “Syempre para sa bayan.”
Among the delegation that left for Metz today was Joanie Delgaco, the first Filipina rower to qualify for the Olympics. She is confident that she can make adjustments from training mostly in the country, to spending the rest of her Paris 2024 preparations in Metz.
"Meron talagang adjustment pero siguro mga ilang araw lang. Pero makakadjust din naman po ako.”
"Sa Monday na po kami mag-training, kasama yung head coach namin. Yung rowing coach po namin, susunod siya before the competition kasi yung ibang teammates ko po may lahok po sila sa Vietnam ngayon.”
[NEXT: LIST: Filipino athletes qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024]
(With reports from Ian Suyu, News5)