Only few dared to dream big at the time when the country was still trying to recover from the ravages of the deadly Covid-19 in early 2021. 

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was one of them, and he was right all along.

The Olympic dream was finally realized when weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz – she with an indomitable spirit and explosive strength – produced what turned out to be the “Lift of the Century” to end the country’s 97-year search for the biggest prize of them all – the Olympic gold.

Diaz’s golden performance plus the silver medals won by boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and the bronze of boxing idol Eumir Marcial was by far the country’s most productive  since the 1932 Los Angeles Games.

That memorable year saw high jumper Simeon Toribio, swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso and boxer Jose Villanueva conquer great odds to win a bronze medal that – to most ardent Filipino fans – shined like gold.

Things turned for the better – gets rosy if you may – when pole vaulter EJ Obiena started winning big-time tournaments including the Asian Games gold medal last year in Hangzhou, China and Carlos Yulo re-stamping his class in various international competitions abroad.

Lesser athletes then became big and practically the unknown became popular under his watch as he played the role of a guardian, adviser and father – all rolled into one – for Filipino athletes.

Is Tolentino the lucky charm of Philippine sports?

No. He rejected that notion downright, saying he just loves what he’s doing for Filipino athletes – be a caring, loving, respectful and innovative leader. 

“I would not go so far as to say that I am the lucky charm of PH sports... but I do believe that we have greatly improved our international presence on an international level over the years of my leadership as POC chief,” Tolentino said in a text message.

But what are the reasons behind his close relationship with the athletes and even the officials of different national sports associations?

His answer was direct, and obviously it came from his heart.

“I think part of it is because of my hands-on approach when it comes to our athletes. I take good care of them because I know the hardships and struggles they have gone through to reach this point. Another reason I think is how I treat them on a personal level, I treat them like my kids. Most of them are young and in return I am like a father figure to them.”

And to get the pulse of the athletes for the biggest fight of their lives, Tolentino, on most occasions, joined them during meal time in a fiesta-like setting, and even during their training like when Yulo was training in Metz. 

Small wonder, his confidence is almost sky-high these days that he declared another fruitful campaign for Team Philippines in Paris.

“Definitely, we will deliver. Definitely, we will surpass Tokyo (Olympics),” Tolentino said boldly when asked about his projection. 

He was fearless because he strongly believes the Filipino athletes are no longer lacking in training, financial support, and motivation unlike in the past when the country couldn’t win any medal — of any color — in the Olympics.

“With this template, with this preparation, we will deliver,” Tolentino added with a ready smile.

That’s Tolentino, his gung ho kind of leadership is indeed what the doctor ordered for PH sports.