Team Philippines awaits President Marcos message at SONA

MANILA, Philippines — Team Philippines may get an added morale booster ahead of its mission in the Paris Olympics from President Marcos no less.

Marcos is reportedly allotting time in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) today for the country’s 22 athletes who will fight the battles of their lives in the July 26 to Aug. 11 showpiece in France.

The Chief Executive has even designated himself the “cheerleader in charge” of the Olympians when he personally graced the send-off ceremonies for Team Philippines recently and urged the nation to rally behind the contingent.

“It’s a big plus that your President is involved in this and it’s good for the athletes to see our President supporting them,” PSC chairman Richard Bachmann said recently regarding Marcos’ all-out support.

Team Philippines, which is celebrating its 100th year of participation in the quadrennial joust, is looking to continue its gains from the historic one-gold, two-silver, one-bronze feat last time in Tokyo.

“This team, I believe, is the most prepared in Philippine Olympic history,” said Tolentino, who boldly predicted that the delegation will surpass its haul from the pandemic-delayed Games in Japan in 2021.

The quest begins on Saturday – a day after the opening ceremonies – with two of the top medal prospects, two-time world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo and 2020 boxing bronze winner Eumir Marcial, as well as lady rower Joanie Delgaco, plunging into action.

“We’re looking forward to Caloy (Yulo), Eumir and Joanie giving the country that strong start in Paris,” said Tolentino, who will be flying to the French capital tomorrow. “They’re all ready and inspired and in high spirits.”

Yulo, who finished fourth in Tokyo in the vault event, competes in the qualification round of the men’s individual all-around (IAA) beginning at 9:30 p.m. (Manila time), looking to join the march into the finals set Wednesday.

For his part, Marcial launches his bid in the men’s light-heavyweight preliminaries Saturday also at 9:30 p.m. (Manila time).

Delgaco, the first Filipina to qualify for Olympic rowing, seeks to hurdle the women’s single sculls heats at 3 p.m.