TWO-TIME ONE Lightweight MMA world champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang knows all about being a national athlete, the kind of pressure it puts on one's shoulders, and the responsibility it entails.
So expect him to cheer his heart out when 22 men and women of Team Philippines in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
READ: Get to know the Philippines' 22 Olympians for Paris 2024
Having won silver and bronze in the Asian Games under wushu, alongside three Southeast Asian Games golds, the bemedalled national athlete is throwing all his support behind his kababayans as they shoot for glory in the quadrennial sporting spectacle.
“We’re all praying for a successful campaign for our athletes,” he said.
“It’s a different feeling with the flag of your country etched on your shoulders. I know the type of sacrifices that they’ve done to be in this position, and whatever happens, I just want them to give their best shot and God will strengthen them all.”
'Landslide' victories for boxing, hopefully
The founder of Lions Nation MMA has high expectations for the boxing team this year, especially with the strong showing the delegation had in Tokyo 2020.
Back on the squad are silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam alongside bronze winner Eumir Marcial. They’ll be joined by Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan as they look to win that elusive championship in boxing.
With eight of the 14 medals the Philippines has taken home coming from boxing, the softspoken fighter is hopeful that this is the year the golden drought comes to an end.
“My dream is a golden haul for our boxers because this is really where we’re known,” Folayang said.
With that in mind, Folayang is confident not only in the boxers, but also world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena and highly-touted gymnast Caloy Yulo, both of whom look like strong medal candidates.
“I’m confident with our athletes. That confidence comes seeing all their sacrifices and hard work just to qualify for the Olympics,” he said.
“I know that we will be bringing home medals.”
Meanwhile, ONE Championship will roll on alongside the sporting spectacle when it returns to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 3 for ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart.
There, Filipino rising star Carlo Bumina-ang makes his official main roster debut opposite No. 5-ranked bantamweight MMA contender Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu.
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