PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino boldly proclaimed that the Philippines will win more than one gold in the Paris Olympics and more medals than the impressive haul of four in the Tokyo Olympics.
Speaking before media at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, the POC chief cited the strong preparations undertaken by the country's bets and the massive support the athletes were given as reasons for his very ambitious prediction.
He did not say how many gold medals or number of medals the country will win but said: “Conservatively, God-willing, we will surpass the Tokyo record."
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“Bahala na kayo kung two golds, three golds, or four golds. Basta malagpasan natin ang Tokyo,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino and the country's sports officials are counting on boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam to win a medal for the Philippines following their silver medal finish in the Tokyo Olympics. Another boxer, Eumir Marcial, is also deemed a strong medal contender following his bronze achievement three years ago.
Also eyed as possible medal winners are world No. 2 EJ Obiena in pole vault, and two-time world champion Carlos Yulo in gymnastics.
Tolentino, who is also Tagaytay City mayor, noted the exuberance and determination of the athletes during his trip to Metz, France, where the Olympians are continuing with their training and also acclimatizing with their surroundings as the Olympics are just over a week away.
Tolentino's positive outlook also stems from the fact that the country has more athletes in Paris than in Tokyo - 22 against 19. It was in Tokyo where Hidilyn Diaz captured the first gold of the Philippines in the Olympics. Diaz tried to qualify for another Olympic bid but failed.
“Actually, we surpassed the number of athletes from 19 to 22. Target ko nga, 25. Nawala lang ‘yung cycling and skateboarding. Kung nakapasok pa ang basketball, ibang usapan na ‘yun,” said Tolentino.
Reporting from what he gathered from the training conditions, Tolentino was impressed by the athletes' upbeat mood.
“We are all excited. Ibang level na ito. Iba na ang mood ng athletes. Level up lahat. Even the support, iba na ang support,” he added.
“Definitely, we will deliver,” Tolentino promised. “We will surpass the Tokyo record. With this template, with this preparation, we will surpass the Tokyo record.”
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