Being part of a highly anticipated event amid a global pandemic is already an amazing feat in itself. And yet despite their many obstacles (even prior to the Tokyo Olympics) this year’s Pinoy Olympians have given us one great news after another; a shining beacon of hope that has lifted our spirits in these uncertain times. Hence, we’ve rounded up the five most iconic moments so far — from the Philippine Olympic medalists, to other amazing highlights worth celebrating.
Iconic moments from Philippine Olympic medalists
1. Hidilyn Diaz’s win that launched a thousand marketing ads
Of course, it’s only right that we start with the Philippines’ ever first Olympic gold medalist. On 26 Jul 2021, Hidilyn made history when she lifted an impressive combined weight of 224kg at the women’s 55-kg weightlifting competition. Since then, many brands have gone all out with their moment marketing to congratulate the 30-year-old. After all, it’s not every day we get such great news in a time when our country is filled with one terrible news after the other.
Also read: The First Filipino Olympics Gold Medallist And Her Well-Earned Prizes
2. Nesthy Petecio’s remarkable silver win
Nesthy’s silver medal in featherweight boxing marks the first time that the Philippines had more than one medalist in the Olympics since we first participated in 1932. This also happens to be the first time that a Filipino Olympic boxer had a podium finish since Onyok Velasco in 1996. As of writing, now we have two female medalists — and both in male-dominated sports, at that.
Other notable highlights from Tokyo 2020 (so far)
3. Margielyn Didal’s sunny moments
Another “-lyn” who has made waves during this year’s Olympics? This 22-year-old skater who stood out for her contagiously kalog attitude and sportsmanship. In fact, the official Tokyo 2020 Twitter account even coined her iconic thumbs-up shot as the “Margielyn Didal seal of approval.”
Also, a clip from her performance during the competition has garnered 600,000 views as of writing. This is by far the most popular post featuring a Pinoy athlete, according to a recent piece from ABS-CBN News.
Also read: Philippine Skater Margielyn Didal Gets Love from Brazil and Japan
4. Carlo Paalam and Emuri Marcial’s shot at gold
As far as potential Philippine Olympic medalists go, these two boxers both have a shot at winning gold in the finals. However, this is depending on the outcome of their respective competitions this 5 Aug 2021.
5. MVP’s “golden” donation
Getting to represent the country in the Olympics is honestly already its own award — and this is something that Manuel V. Pangilinan recognises. The tycoon and sports patron has partnered with the Philippine Olympic Committee to give ₱500,000 to non-medalists in the Tokyo Olympics.
Also read: 10 Fun Facts About the Olympics That Might Surprise You
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Featured image credit: Philippine Olympic Committee |Official Instagram Page
