Paalam apologizes for painful exit

PARIS — Now it can be told.

Carlo Paalam battled an assortment of injuries through his journey here that ended in a tough 3-2 defeat opposite an Australian foe in their quarterfinals bout Saturday at the North Paris Arena.

Hurting almost everywhere from his legs to shoulders, Paalam, nonetheless, made a great run and nearly made history as the first Filipino multi-medal winner in Olympic boxing.

Swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso (with two bronzes) and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (with silver in Rio and gold in Tokyo) had achieved such feat in their sports.

“Pinilit kong kunin, pero hindi pinagkaloob sa akin,” said Paalam, the Tokyo silver winner going one round short of a sure Paris bronze.

Paalam fought Charlie Senior on even terms through the first two rounds of their 57kg quarterfinals showdown then went for broke in the deciding final round.

Alas, the 3-2 split verdict went to the fourth-seeded Aussie.

Paalam thought he was denied a deserved victory.

“Klaro naman ‘yung score talaga, sa akin lahat. Wala naman siyang tumatama, ang bawi ko sa kanya, clear na clear,” rued the Talakag, Bukidnon bet. “Lamang po talaga ako. Wala naman talaga isyang tama na solid sa akin, puro hampas lang. Sa akin, clear na clear.”

Paalam apologized to the nation for his loss.

“So sorry talaga, ginawa ko ang best ko. Pasensya sa lahat,” he said, adding he pursued Olympic glory despite aches and pains in legs, feet and shoulders.