With the Olympic Games Paris 2024 officially coming to a close, here is a “Thank You” to the brave men and women who represented us Filipinos at the pinnacle of sporting competition.
For every international competition the Philippines take part in, whether the SEA Games, the Asian Games, or the Olympics, “Thank You” cards usually mean the end of a particular campaign for a local athlete or team.
As medal cards need quite the specific requirements in order to be published, “Thank You” cards are the fourth type of material on embargo. They are usually also the hardest stuff to write about.
“Thank You” cards can be difficult, as they mostly entail losing or to soften the blow, coming up short.
But “Thank You” cards are also meaningful. Stripped of the results of winning or losing, giving thanks is as simple as that, giving gratitude to the athletes that sacrificed and practically put their lives on hold in order to represent the country on an international stage.
So with the Olympic Games Paris 2024 officially coming to a close, here is a “Thank You” to the brave men and women who represented us Filipinos at the pinnacle of sporting competition.
Saying “Thank You” can be a sign of the end, but it's time we stop associating it with losing. It's a mark of love.
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A “Thank You” to John Cabang Tolentino, who braved injury to represent local runners. The same “Thank You” goes to Lauren Hoffman, for persevering in a physically-taxing discipline.
A simple “Thank You” might not be enough to honor the incredible fight shown by EJ Obiena, whose pole vault exploits may have opened up a new avenue for Filipinos to excel.
It takes immense mental fortitude to take the pain of Tokyo 2020 and make a huge jump for Paris 2024, which is why a “Thank You” for Bianca Pagdanganan is more than deserved.
Fighting through adversity might be our specialty as Filipino people, and a huge “Thank You” goes to Dottie Ardina for pushing through despite persistent troubles.
Boxing is our pride and joy, and a million “Thank You” messages should probably go to Nesthy Petecio, who once again proved that punching like a girl should never be an insult, but a compliment.
Speaking of punching like a girl, a massive “Thank You” is reserved for the spitfire Aira Villegas for giving us a hope for new stars.
It may be be our pride and joy, but boxing is a brutal sport. Nevertheless, “Thank You” should not be denied for Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and Hergie Bacyadan, whose careers include putting their well being on the line as they fight with our flag on their chest.
Through no fault of our athletes, the Philippines is rarely considered a powerhouse in sports. But every now and again, underdogs inspire. Which is why Sam Catantan’s fencing in the Olympics is always worth a “Thank You,” as is Kiyomi Watanabe in Judo and Jarod Hatch in swimming.
The Olympics is a tough place to be, just making it there is hard enough. All wins count at the grandest stage of all, even if it results in no medals.
The personal bests of Elreen Ando in weightlifting and Kayla Sanchez in swimming, as well as the doors opened by Joanie Delgaco in rowing deserve a “Thank You” and then some.
While it only happens once every four years, the Olympics are a place to grow, as shown by the one and only Hidilyn Diaz.
It’s a “Thank You” now for Vanessa Sarno and John Ceniza, but the path paved by our first Golden Girl is a journey worth remembering for future Games as we hope to turn "Thank You" to "Congratulations."
The Olympics are also a place to make history, so we should send a sweet “Thank You” to Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar for going where no Filipina have gone in the last 60 years.
Finally, a “Thank You” goes to the new Golden Boy Carlos Yulo, for doing what no Filipino has done in the history of ever.
Paris is the City of Love, and may the Philippine Centennial Team receive enduring love for their historic showing in the Olympics.
Merci.