Filipina boxer Aira Villegas has worked her way up the ladder to reach the Olympics—and she's ready to achieve even more come Paris 2024.
With all eyes on the Philippine Centennial Team heading into the Olympic Games Paris 2024, every Olympic-bound athlete will have their own story to create or finish.
For Filipina boxer Aira Villegas, Paris 2024 will be her debut on the grandest of stages.
As she prepares for what will be her biggest competition yet, the 28-year-old southpaw shared with One Sports her advice to herself as she prepares to write her own Olympic story.
“Hi self, kayanin mo lahat ng challenges and then lahat ng injuries parang magpa-rehab ka lang. Gawin lahat ng training, no excuses. Galingan mo sa Olympics and magtiwala ka sa sarili mo, kay God, sa coaches, and everyone."
Villegas, who hails from Tacloban, has always credited her elder brother, Rominick, for introducing her to the sport of boxing when she was nine years old.
Her kuya's success laid the foundation for an Olympian, and Aira is raring for an Olympic debut from a path Rominick helped pave.
“Pag sa bahay laging nakikita ko 'yung pictures niya, trophies, medals, and then mas lalo akong na-inspire nung kumikita siya ng money so hindi na siya humihingi sa magulang namin ng money for school. Scholar din siya sa boxing so parang gusto ko din ng ganun,” said Aira.
Since then, Aira slowly but surely worked her way up the boxing ladder, ultimately reaching her goal of qualifying for the Olympics in Paris.
Villegas punched her way to Paris after defeating Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Chukanova via unanimous decision in the first World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
[ALSO READ: T'was Tacloban toughness: A look back on Aira Villegas’ Paris 2024 journey]
As she readies herself for even tougher competition in Paris, Villegas is ready to give it her all, hoping to add another medal to the Philippines in the Olympics.
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Story Summary:
- Filipina boxer Aira Villegas, set to make her Olympic debut in Paris 2024, shares her journey from Tacloban and the inspiration she draws from her elder brother, a boxing scholar who introduced her to the sport at a young age.
- Villegas secured her spot in the Olympics after defeating Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Chukanova in the World Qualification Tournament in Italy.
- With her sights set on success, Villegas emphasizes perseverance and faith as she prepares to represent the Philippines and compete on the global stage in Paris.
[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.]