Petecio gives Philippines 4th medal in Paris Games

PARIS – Nesthy Petecio’s Paris odyssey ended in a tough call in the semifinals Wednesday at Stade Roland Garros.

Petecio didn’t get it, missing a second straight Olympic final and settling for a bronze being added to her silver from Tokyo in 2021.

“Sobrang labo, sobrang labo talaga,” said Petecio, not convinced she lost the fight to young Polish foe Julia Szeremeta.

“Wala siyang clear punch sa third round, ‘yung body shots ko, hook ko pumapasok, hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyari,” said Petecio.

The judges saw otherwise, giving the 57-kg semis bout to Szeremeta at 4-1.

With another shot at the gold on the line, Petecio entered the arena determined to get it. First up atop the ring, Petecio prayed in her corner then launched her drive, taking the opening round at 5-0.

But it became a split when Szeremeta fought back and grabbed the second at 4-1, making the finale as the deciding round.

It became a veritable barroom brawl with Petecio indeed landing the clearer shots but with Szeremeta being the busier fighter, throwing more punches though not hitting the target.

Alas, all judges gave it to Szeremeta, a decision seen as highway robbery by many Filipino sports officials.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino didn’t hide his disgust. POC secretary general Wharton Chan disagreed with the judges and so did rowing chief Patrick Gregorio.

“Remnants of AIBA,” rued Tolentino, referring to the international boxing body expelled by the International Olympic Committee for governance, finance and corruption issues, among others.

“Akala ko akin, hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyari,” said Petecio.

But with her semis finish, Petecio nonetheless made history as the first Philippine boxer to nail medals in back-to-back Olympics. She’s the fourth Filipino Olympian to win multiple medals, joining gymnast Carlos Yulo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and swimmer Teófilo Yldefonso.

“We came with five boxers and going home with two Olympic bronze medals,” said Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) chairman Ricky Vargas, thanking the nation for the support.

“To Hergie (Bacyadan), Eumir (Marcial), Carlo (Paalam), Aira (Villegas) and Nesthy, our gratitude. Your sacrifice and courage is what makes us all better as a nation,” Vargas also said. “Until 2028, in Los Angeles, the Olympic gold remains to be our goal. Sorry to disappoint. No excuses but we assure you we gave our best.”

Vargas was still happy “our flag still rises with the best.”

Team ABAP came through with a two-bronze haul after a two-silver, one-bronze haul in Tokyo.

Villegas was the other Paris bronze winner with her semi’s windup in the women’s 50-kg class.

At 29, Villegas is looking forward to the next Olympics.

At 32, Petecio isn’t closing the door on another shot at Olympic glory.

“Tignan po natin. Di ko po masabi sa ngayon. Pero hanggang kaya ko pa, bakit hindi natin ipagpatuloy ang paglaban para sa bayan.”

Promotion

Petecio would be promoted a rank higher by the Philippine Coast Guard when she returns to the country. Petecio currently holds the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, under the PCG’s Special Service Office (CGSSO).

“Nesthy won a bronze medal in recognition of her feat, that is a very inspiring achievement. The Philippine Coast Guard will be promoting her to the next rank when she comes back,” said PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

Meanwhile, the CGSSO is also rooting for one of its own personnel competing in Paris — Coast Guard Seawoman Second Class Elreen Ando who competes in 59-kg women’s weightlifting.

Marcos sends congratulations

President Marcos yesterday lauded Petecio for bagging bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, saying she demonstrated the resilience of her countrymen.

“Congratulations, Nesthy! Thank you for bringing home the bronze medal for the Philippines. You’ve truly shown the world how Filipinos never back down from a challenge,” the President said in a Facebook post.

“The whole country is proud of you! Taas kamao, para sa boxingerong Pilipino (A raised fist for the Filipino boxer),” the President added.

First Lady Liza Marcos thanked Petecio, saying: “Another Filipina has punched her way to an Olympic medal — a proud moment for all of us! You are truly a Filipino boxing champ in our hearts!”