After after

EJ Obiena, Alex Eala and Carlos Yulo carry the national flag to global excellence. To whom they pass on the honor and burden after they retire is another question altogether. Or problem. EJ may have found his, named Kevin Elijah Cole who won bronze behind Obiena in the most recent regional games. He has not made his presence felt after though. Filipino fans forgot about his potential but remember his name more for sounding like self-pleasure. Filipino humor at its best.

Eala inspired young girls throughout the country to pick a tennis racket. Although still outnumbered by girls who want to wear a crown rather than a medal, there is Tennielle Madis and a few others making a statement in and out of the country. Not as loud as Alex though. At least there’s more to Philippine tennis than Eala. And of course, Carlos has an heir apparent, literally. Of all the second liners, Karl Eldrew Yulo has the brightest potential shown in his transition from the juniors and out of his senior brother.

Hidilyn Diaz too may have found hers but in the male category. Does not matter, a gold is a gold regardless of who holds. Albert Ian Delos Santos, who recently lost his father to cancer, clinched two gold medals and broke his own record in the world junior championships in Egypt.

Relief. There is someone to look forward to after the current champions call it a career. Boxing has second, third and fourth ad infinitum liners inspired by the rags to riches greatness of the greatest Filipino athlete. More than the inspiration, the life story of Manny Pacquiao represents hope to the hopeless. While hope is not a strategy, these kids can slug their families out of poverty and misery while the government fails to create better opportunities for them.

Easy to say just enjoy and live the winning moments of Eala, Obiena and Yulo, and not look too far ahead. Some may call it anxiety, but it is also known as foresight. The present may be sweet, but sweat for tomorrow. While it is not guaranteed, preparation is still the better part of discretion. Sports cannot rest easy, otherwise you serve the enemy.