Pinay boxer Aira Villegas is ready to show the world her prowess as she makes her Olympic debut in Paris 2024.
As the world gears up for the much-anticipated Olympic Games Paris 2024, each Filipino Olympian has been busy with their own preparations in the hopes of finding the right formula to bring home another gold medal for the Philippines.
It’s no secret that boxing will be the Philippines’ best chance at bringing home Olympic medals.
But while all eyes are focused on those who competed in Tokyo 2020, Filipina boxer Aira Villegas is readying herself for an Olympic debut that everyone will remember.
The 28-year-old Tacloban native, who will compete in the women’s 50-kilogram division, is one of five Filipino boxers representing the country in Paris 2024.
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Since arriving in Metz, France, a month before the Olympics, Villegas has been training diligently, focusing on refining her skills and strategy.
But Villegas is also exercising caution during her sparring sessions with fellow boxing Olympians at the training camp in Germany.
“Actually, nakalaro ko na siya. Naka-sparring ko na rin siya nung training camp namin nung 2022 sa Colorado. Alam kong hindi talaga 'yun 'yung laro niya kasi nakalaban ko siya eh tapos parang nagpa-partner play lang siya, so sabi ko, halatang aral 'yung ginagawa nila, so hindi ko puwedeng ilabas 'yung kung ano 'yung totoo kong laro kasi mapag-aaralan tayo,” Villegas told One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan.
While these sessions have been instrumental in her preparation for Paris 2024, Villegas still wants more as she nears her Olympic debut on August 2.
“Mahirap kasi 'yung ginagawa nila is aral so hindi talaga nila pinapakita kung ano 'yung laro. Iba kasi talaga 'yung sa sparring tsaka 'yung sa competition na mismo. So far, okay naman pero medyo nakulangan kasi nga hindi niya nilabas 'yung totoong laro. Aral lang talaga 'yung ginawa eh,” said Villegas.
But as the time to face the world's best in Paris looms, Villegas conveyed a powerful message for her future self that will be looking to bring home the gold.
"Hi self, kaya mo ito. Pangarap mo ito. Huwag kang bibitaw. Ito na ‘yun so every four years lang ‘yung Olympics. Ibigay mo na lahat and huwag kang susuko. Laging magdadasal tsaka tiwala sa sarili, sa coaches, at tsaka sa lahat. Ginagawa mo ito para sa pamilya mo, sa sarili mo, and for the future,” said Villegas.
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