Now the victory of Team Philippines in the just concluded 23rd Southeast Asian Games — a first for the country — has raised hopes that Filipinos might finally bag an elusive gold in the Olympics. The country has three years to prepare for the next Olympic Games in Beijing.
No world record was broken in the 23rd SEAG, but the nation celebrated the victory that had eluded Team Philippines since the start of the regional games. Until last night there was enough public euphoria left over to prevent road rage amid the horrendous traffic mess that resulted from closing a stretch of Roxas Boulevard to make way for the SEAG closing ceremonies in Manila’s Rizal Park.
The best that Filipinos have managed in the Olympics are silver medals, both for boxing: the first in 1964 in Tokyo, won by Anthony Villanueva, and the second in 1996 in Atlanta, won by Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, who lost to a Bulgarian. Size matters in many sporting matches, and the average Filipino athlete does not stand a chance against opponents with much longer limbs and heftier builds. But there are other sporting events, such as gymnastics and equestrian competitions, where a plus-size can be a disadvantage. And boxing is one sport where Filipinos have a fighting chance.
If it’s not size, it has to be the training that Philippine athletes lack. Plus dedication — a single-minded determination to reap top honors for one’s country in the world’s most prestigious sports competition. After savoring the taste of victory in the SEAG, the country must not lose its momentum. There’s enough time left to prepare for the Olympics.