Phl 'Lucky 9' all medal contenders

MANILA, Philippines - A lean nine-man athlete so far comprised the Philippine delegation to the London Olympics, whom chef de mission Manny Lopez referred to as possible “medal contenders.”

With over a month to go before the biggest sporting event in the world formally comes off the wraps, Lopez’s expectations do not solely depend on just one, but on all nine athletes.

Whereas before, Lopez, as former president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP), would favor a Filipino pug as the best bet of the country for an Olympic medal, now, things have drastically changed.

“It’s a different situation now. My feeling is that all nine are medal contenders,” said Lopez during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave.

“Anyone can deliver the goods when need be.”

By anyone he meant any among boxer Mark Anthony Barriga, shooter Brian Rosario, Fil-Japanese judoka Tomohiko Hoshina, Fil-Am BMX rider Daniel Caluag, lady weightlifter Hidylyn Diaz, the swimming duo of Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Lacuna, and the pair of Maristella Torres and Rene Herrera of athletics.

“We’re targeting a medal finish for our so-called ‘Lucky 9’. We’re preparing them technically, physically, and mentally,” added Lopez in the same session presented by Smart, Pagcor and Shakey’s. “The participants themselves have been rewarded already by earning a berth in the Olympics, since participation (in the Olympics) has become very stringent these days.”

The country last won an Olympic medal in 1996 courtesy of boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, who clinched a silver in the 48 kg. light-flyweight category.

Two more possible entries for the country are being eyed in the field of archery (with the ongoing qualifier in Ogden City, Utah) and boxing (through a possible wild card slot to be given to Asian Boxing Championship silver medalist Charly Suarez).

At the most, Lopez expects the Phl delegation to be completed by July 9.

“Technically, we have nine Olympians as of today with the inclusion of Hidylyn Diaz a few days ago. No later than July 9, we will know the exact composition of the entire Philippine delegation,” said Lopez.

With only a number of athletes qualifying to the Olympics, Lopez expects a downsized Phl contingent in the July 27-Aug. 12 meet.

 At the most, no more than 22 people can be accommodated as part of the delegation, according to Lopez, based on the rule 38 calculator of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Apart from the nine athletes, he said nine coaches – one per athlete – are likely to join the team, with the rest being comprised by officials of the National Sports Associations (NSAs) involved.

A send-off for the Phl contingent will be held on June 25, with President Aquino invited as guest of honor.

The first batch of athletes leaving for London will be on June 28 to attend the pre-game training camp of the Olympics, while the final batch departs on July 19 to be accompanied by Lopez himself.