Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez is confident the country’s team to the Tokyo Olympics has what it takes to bring home gold medals.
The Philippine team to Tokyo is composed of 19 athletes.
“I’m so excited for the result of the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and NSAs (national sports associations) on this journey to Tokyo Olympics in this pandemic,” Ramirez said during the PSC Hour program of Radyo Pilipinas Dos on Friday.
The two-time PSC chief thanked the athletes for their sacrifices and dedication to reach their dream of becoming an Olympian which, according to him, is not an overnight success.
“When you just get to the Olympics, it’s like you’ve already won gold). It’s priceless to be in an international competition, especially in the Olympics” Ramirez said in Filipino.
Despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic that hampered the athletes’ preparation, Ramirez said the Philippine team has a good chance to bring home an Olympic medal.
“I believe we can win medal in Tokyo Olympics. We probably have gold, silver and bronze medals because we also have beginners who can make surprises. You don’t have to take 12 years to win an Olympics medal. It really depends on the talent, coaching, exposure, serendipity, and time, there are many factors,” he said in Filipino.
He also said preparing for the Olympics is not a one-year affair, saying preparation for the Tokyo 2020+1 Olympics started as early as the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Ramirez said the PSC has spent around P2 billion for the national team’s expenses since 2016 just to form a formidable team for Tokyo Games.
The Philippines will be sending the second-biggest delegation since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The Tokyo-bound Filipino athletes include Ernest John Obiena (athletics), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Eumir Felix Marcial (boxing), Irish Magno (boxing), Nesthy Petecio (boxing), Carlo Paalam (boxing), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Jayson Valdez (shooting), Juvic Pagunsan (golf), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo), Kristina Knott (athletics), Yuka Saso (golf), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf), Luke Gebbie (swimming) and Remedy Rule (swimming).
Ramirez said the country’s Olympic campaign can become a uniting factor for the country.
He also requested the prayers and support of Filipinos for all the national athletes as they try anew to get the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo from July 23 to August 8.
Ramirez said the country’s Olympic campaign can become a uniting factor for the country.
“Hopefully, we can unite them. Hope to help the Philippine environment. Hopefully, we can unite them. I hope Filipinos unite because of the athletes,” he said in Filipino.
He also requested the prayers and support of Filipinos for all the national athletes as they try anew to get the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo from July 23 to August 8.
“I encourage everyone to offer some prayers for our delegation. We need your prayers and your cheers. Win or lose help us. I hope our Filipino athletes will excel,” he said.
