MANILA, Philippines – Despite an early exit from the Olympics, Filipino boxer Hergie Bacyadan’s mark in Paris will be indelible.
Bacyadan’s Olympic run came to a quick end after the Pinoy pug faced China’s Li Qian in the women’s round of 16 bout on Wednesday.
Qian is the top seed of the division, and their match proved why this is so as she methodically outpointed the pride of Kalinga.
In spite of this, 29-year-old fighter is confident of having already made a lasting impact.
“Nakatatak na ako, ‘di na ako mawawala dito sa pangalang Olympian,” Bacyadan said in an interview with One Sports.
“I’m so very happy and blessed na naging isa ako, napabilang ako sa mga Olympians,” he added.
The world vovinam gold medalist underscored that while it is regrettable to bow out early, what is indeed more important is going all out.
“Talagang ano, medyo nakakapanghinayang talaga kasi ito na, andito na ako e. Naitapat tayo… hindi naman sa takot tayo or, nasa top ranking yung kalaban natin,” Bacyadan said.
“Ginawa naman natin makakaya natin para lang maipanalo talaga yung laban pero wala, kulang pa talaga sa experience sa boxing. Walang… no excuses, ika nga nila, talo tayo e. Pero happy pa rin dapat tayo.
“Sobrang worth it naman, medyo sabi ko nga sa mga coaches ko, sorry coach, pasensya na kayo, ginawa ko ang buong best ko. Talagang hindi pa ganun tayo ka-click doon sa ano pag nakatapat tayo ng medyo high-ranking lang. Pero sa tapang lang, andun meron tayo.”
In an Instagram post, the Olympian relished the opportunity to have competed against the “idol” Qian.
“Nakakalungkot man isipin na matalo, pero laking pasalamat ko pa rin dahil nakarating ako dito sa Olympics. Ang maexperience lang na makapaglaro dito, malaking bagay na sakin ito,” Bacyadan stressed.
“Dati, pangarap ko lang makalaban si China dahil sobrang idol ko yan. Nung una ko makalaban si China sa USA, sabe ko sa sarili ko “makakalaban ko din to sa Olympics” kaya sobrang nakaka-proud na makakalaban ko ang top seed twice Olympian medalist.”
“Sa buong Pilipinas, paumanhin dahil nabigo ko kayo. Pangako na lalaban ako ulit para sa bansa natin at mas pagi-igihan ko pa sa mga susunod.”
Three more Filipino boxers are still in contention for an Olympic medal in Paris — Aira Villegas, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio.