From the first step on the Olympic stage to battling against her idol, Hergie Bacyadan savored a truly unforgettable experience in Paris 2024.
It wasn’t the dream Olympic debut Hergie Bacyadan hoped for, but the warrior from Tabuk, Kalinga is not taking anything for granted.
“Nakakalungkot man isipin na matalo, pero laking pasalamat ko parin dahil nakarating ako dito sa Olympics. Ang maexperience lang na makapaglaro dito, malaking bagay na saken ito,” Bacyadan spoke in a social media post on August 1, Thursday.
The 29-year-old boxer was simply outclassed by a more-experienced, heavily-favored Li Qian of China, falling via unanimous decision in their round of 16 clash of the women's 75kg in Paris 2024.
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Hergie Bacyadan suffers early exit in Olympic debut against Chinese foe]
Bacyadan bared it was a dream come true facing her idol in Qian in the Olympic stage, which the pugilist shared a ring with before.
"Dati pangarap ko lang makalaban si China dahil sobrang idol ko yan. Nung una ko makalaban si China sa USA, sabe ko sa sarili ko “makakalaban ko din to sa Olympics” kaya sobrang nakakaproud na makakalaban ko ang top seed twice Olympian medalist,” Bacyadan wrote.
[ALSO READ: Hergie Bacyadan laments lack of experience in defeat against ‘idol’ Li Quan, mulls giving Olympics another shot]
A world champion in vovinam who was recalled to the Philippine national boxing team, she also extended her gratitude to her family, wife, supporters, and the Philippine community– especially the Cordilleran tribe– for their support in her Paris 2024 journey.
“Salamat sa pamilya ko na walang sawa nag darasal para sa safety ko at tagumpay. Henz Paul Bacyadan, Gie BacyadanHert Bacyadan, Hero Tao-wag Bacyadan, Evangeline Bacyadan, Hector Bacyadan.”
“Salamat sa misis ko Lady Denily Digo na di talaga ako iniwan, manalo’t matalo lage nakasuporta saken. Ikaw ang lakas ko araw araw.”
“Salamat sa mga fans & supporters na walang sawa na sumuporta saken mula nuong nag uumpisa palang ako, hanggang ngayon na umabot na ako sa Olympics."
“Salamat sa mga Cordilleran community dito sa Paris na tumulong samen & prayers,lalo na kay Ate Mary sa pag tulong kay misis sa matitirahan at pagsundo.”
[ALSO READ: Paris-bound boxer Hergie Bacyadan proud to represent LGBTQ+ community in the Olympics]
Despite falling short of a medal, Bacyadan vows to work harder and continue pursuing that Olympic moment down the line.
“Sa buong Pilipinas, paumanhin dahil nabigo ko kayo. Pangako na lalaban ako ulet para sa bansa naten at mas pagiigihan ko pa sa mga susunod,” Bacyadan said.
Bacyadan’s exit, alongside the stunning loss of Eumir Marcial, left Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, and Carlo Paalam as the remaining boxing hopefuls running in contention for Team Philippines in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.