Paris predictions

The Olympic Games are less than two months away. All the athletes who have qualified are preparing to peak to coincide with their events. Given all the external factors like scheduling, luck of the draw and injuries, there’s a good chance the Philippines could end up winning up to three gold medals. Luckily, the dozen (or more) who will be in Paris give the country more chances.

At the top of the list is EJ Obiena. So far, the 28-year-old world No. 2 pole vaulter has done everything right. Just last week, Obiena topped the LA Grand Prix, which marked the start of the international outdoor season. Obiena has the best chance for a gold in Paris, because he only has to do well twice, in the preliminaries and again in the finals. If he’s able to clear six meters and best Mondo Duplantis, the gold should be his.

Eumir Marcial has all the gifts needed to win a gold this time around. The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist has sharpened his speed and power as a pro in the US, and is ripe for a breakthrough this time around. His challenge will be more of a mental one, exorcise the ghosts of 2020. It may actually be to his advantage to fight pro style, since the field will be almost exclusively full-time amateurs.

Carlos Yulo has already proven himself everywhere. The gymnastics world champion even admitted that he wanted to test his nerves in his most recent competitions in Qatar and Uzbekistan. Once he is free of nerves and other personal distractions which weighed him down in the past, there is no reason to expect that he will not top the field. Acknowledgment of weakness leads to better performance.

Nesthy Petecio is another bright spot on the Philippine roster. Silver medalist at the first Olympic women’s featherweight tournament in Tokyo, she is determined to do better. Given a more limited field and the retirement of some past contenders, she has great chance on improving on her past success. Tough as nails, with a good draw, she should come home with a gold medal.

Weightlifter Vanessa Sarno is a dark horse whom circumstances may favor. The sport has been steadily shrinking in Olympic competition since Rio de Janeiro, and the elimination of several weight classes has adversely impacted other Filipinos like Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. But Sarno is naturally bigger and will be benefited by the shrinking field. If she overcomes first-time jitters, she has a good shot at a medal.

The Philippines has a big contingent to Paris, signs of great support and preparation. We wouldn’t be surprised if the country earns multiple gold medals this time.