Members of the Philippine Centennial Team already in France got to experience a part of the Olympic tradition as they witnessed a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay.
The first group of Filipino Olympians here in Metz got to experience a part of the Olympic tradition as they witnessed a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay. This edition started in the sanctuary of Olympia, Greece where the ancient Olympics were held with the torch being lit by the sun’s rays back in April.
It started its epic journey in France last May 8 in Marseille and made a stop in Metz, before it circles back to Paris for the start of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
For the boxers, weightlifters, and rower Joanie Delgaco, it was an opportunity to refocus on what needs to be done a month away from the start of the Olympics.
[Related: ‘All systems go’: Team Philippines begins training camp in Metz, France just a month before Olympics]
With the city of Metz converging inside the Place de la Republique, the Olympians that are part of the Philippine Centennial Team got a reminder of the gravity of the moment.
“Our athletes have been working hard here in Metz and this is a welcome break to them,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Secretary-General Atty. Wharton Chan.
“It’s great to see them enjoying each other’s company because they will be the best support system to each other, especially the returning Olympians because the first-timers are looking to them for guidance.”
The Olympians lined up for freebies, danced, and even got to meet a couple of Filipinos in Metz. They all cheered when the torch arrived at the Place de la Republique. They walked into the venue together and also walked back to their hotel together, as one unit, exactly how the POC wanted to happen.
The POC led this effort to have a training camp for the first time in our 100 years of competing in the Olympics because there was a need to elevate the preparations further after a successful 2020 campaign in Tokyo, where the Philippines had a record haul of one gold, two silver, and one bronze medals.
“It’s important to have a home base here in France,” said Nikko Huelgas, former Chairman of the POC’s Athlete’s Commission and one of the heads for the Pre-Olympic Training Camp.
“Some of our athletes will be arriving soon with others also leaving to follow their training plans but whatever happens, they will have a home here in Metz.
Medal hopeful Caloy Yulo will be among the second batch of athletes to arrive in Metz along with the recently-qualified swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch, while boxers Carlo Paalam and Hergie Bacyadan will head to Saarbrucken, Germany, where they will be joined by Eumir Marcial.
Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas will stay in Metz for the remainder of their preparations and three sparring partners will be flown in from the Philippines to join them here.
“La Moselle has been a great host to us,” said POC President Bambol Tolentino.
[Related: Your favorite boxer’s favorite boxers: Olympians Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan reveal favorite boxers as Paris 2024 looms]
“There have been glitches but they’ve been quick to rectify matters. The equipment that we needed, they even bought so we’re thankful to the City of Metz for hosting us.”
Story Summary:
- Filipino Olympians in Metz witnessed a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay, symbolizing a part of their journey towards the Paris 2024.
- The event served as a refocusing opportunity for members of the Philippine Centennial Team, highlighting their preparations a month before the Olympics amidst a supportive environment in Metz.
- Organized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the training camp in Metz marks a first in the country's century-long Olympic history, providing a crucial base for athletes, including medal hopefuls like Caloy Yulo and Nesthy Petecio, as they gear up for 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.]