MANILA, Philippines — The San Miguel Corp. Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night at the Manila Hotel last Monday wasn’t only a celebration of the country’s top sports performers of 2024 but also a tribute to Olympians, past and present. Philippine Olympians Association chairman Freddie Webb and President Akiko Thomson led the cast of Olympians and Paralympians who attended the glittering star-studded affair.
Webb, 82, came with 1972 Olympic basketball teammates Jimmy Mariano, 83 and Marte Samson, 73. Mariano also played at the 1968 Games. In his remarks, Webb spoke about an unforgettable experience during the Munich Olympics. He didn’t recount how the Olympic Village was rocked by the Black September invasion of the Israel quarters but instead, recalled the inspiring run of Haitian Maurice Charlotin who placed last in men’s marathon. Webb said at least 12 starters quit the race but Charlotin persevered and although he came in way after winner Frank Shorter, an ovation from the crowd greeted the Haitian in crossing the finish line. Shorter clocked 2:12:19 while Charlotin, who ended No. 62, timed in at 3:29:21.
“He never gave up,” said Webb. “In an interview after the marathon, Charlotin mentioned he did it for his country, that it was his duty and promise. He couldn’t go back home with the shame of giving up. That’s what sports is all about, never giving up, surviving like in life.” Webb said being an Olympian is an honor and a rare opportunity to bring glory to the country.
Coincidentally, a Filipino Olympian attending the event had a similar experience as Charlotin. Rene Herrera competed in the 5,000-meter run at the Olympic Stadium in London in 2012. There were 22 runners in the first heat and Herrera wound up No. 20 with two failing to finish. Herrera clocked 14:44.11 and first placer Hayle Ibrahimov of Azerbaijan, 13:25.23. He was by his lonesome in crossing the end line and the crowd erupted in applause to recognize his relentless spirit. World champion Mo Farah, who won the gold in the final, was third in the heat and welcomed Herrera at the finish line with an embrace. Herrera, now 45, was a former PATAFA coach and is back in full-time military service with the Navy at Sangley Point. He’s a five-time SEA Games gold medalist in 5,000-meter steeplechase.
Another Olympian who spoke was boxer Nesthy Petecio, one of only four Philippine double Olympic medalists (the others are Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz and Teofilo Yldefonso). Petecio, 32, said she’s hoping to qualify for the 2028 LA Olympics which would be her third appearance if ever. She took home a silver from Tokyo and bronze from Paris. “Walang hinto hangga’t walang ginto,” declared Petecio, citing coach and 1992 Olympic bronze medalist Roel Velasco as the author of the slogan. She pointed to three things that drive her quest for excellence – sipag, tiyaga at disiplina. Petecio started boxing at 15 and now, 17 years later, she continues to dream of Olympic gold with Yulo as her inspiration.
Ric Fortaleza, 73, was cited for participating as a boxer at the 1972 Games. He came with wife Elisa and the day was particularly significant because it marked their 51st wedding anniversary. Fortaleza is based in Australia and his brother Rey, who lives in Canada, also attended the PSA festivities as a 1976 Montreal Olympian.