Close calls deserve credit, too

Three athletes delivered four medals for the Philippines at the Paris Olympics compared to four who brought home the same hardware in the previous edition in Tokyo three years ago. But the big difference was in Paris, the harvest included two golds, a first in Philippine sports history while in Tokyo, the haul had one.

Gymnast Carlos Yulo saved the day with his double gold while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio contributed a bronze apiece in Paris. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bagged a gold in Tokyo with Petecio and another boxer Carlo Paalam claiming silvers and still another boxer Eumir Marcial a bronze. The Philippines’ medal collection in 23 appearances in 100 years of Olympic participation now consists of three golds, five silvers and 10 bronzes.

Boxing is the biggest medal contributor with 10 but the sport has still to hit paydirt. Gymnastics, weightlifting, athletics and swimming are the only other sports with medals at two apiece. There were 13 Olympics where the Philippines returned home without a single medal. The good news is the country has landed at least two podium finishes in the last three Olympics so the trend is encouraging.

There were several close calls in Paris, heartbreakers that left athletes crestfallen but inspired to rise from the stumble. They were narrow misses. And even if the frustration was evident, they were still a source of celebration. Making it to the Olympics is a feat in itself. Athletes prepare for years to qualify, sacrificing so much of their personal lives to bring honor to their countries. For the 22 athletes who represented the Philippines in Paris, congratulations for becoming part of history and the nation is grateful for their efforts, dedication and courage.

The three athletes who came tantalizingly close to securing a medal were pole vaulter EJ Obiena, Paalam and golfer Bianca Pagdanganan. Obiena, 28, wound up fourth in the pole vault final, the highest Asian finish ever in the event. The third placer Emmanouil Karalis clinched the bronze by virtue of one less attempt during the run-up to breaching 5.90. Obiena cleared the same height but dropped out because of one more attempt at 5.80. Obiena had three tries to clear 5.95 and if he had made it, a bronze would’ve been in the bag. He’ll be 32 when the LA Olympics rolls out and still at his peak to compete at a high level.

Paalam lost a close 3-2 split decision to Australia’s Charlie Senior in the featherweight boxing quarterfinals. A win would’ve assured him of a bronze. The fight was dead even on the scorecards entering the third round but Paalam couldn’t convince three of the judges to see it his way. Senior’s tactic of raising his right hand to signal a connection, whether a punch landed or not, was a deliberate distraction and officials should seriously consider banning it in future events as it may unduly influence a judge’s score. Paalam is 26 and could go for a third Olympics like Obiena.

Pagdanganan, 26, had rounds of 72, 69, 73 and 68 to register six under par. She was tied with Australia’s Hannah Green, South Korea’s Amy Yang and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita for fourth. In her Olympic debut in Tokyo, Pagdanganan was No. 43. There were 60 competitors in women’s golf and Pagdanganan’s finish was amazing, considering the quality of the field. World No. 1 Nelly Korda ended up tied for No. 22 and two-time US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso placed No. 54.

The Philippine medalists deserve their just rewards but those who came close to a podium finish should also be recognized and the rest of the cast, similarly toasted for participating in the greatest sports show on earth.