EDITORS DESK
One could dream of basking in the Olympic glory and taking home one shining piece of metal that can symbolize a country's successful program. Certainly a goal for many, but only doable for the chosen few. They say standing atop the podium is a once in a lifetime moment, but earning a spot on the grandest stage is a path that is as equally demanding, and an achievement in itself.
As the clock winds down to the anticipated spectacle in Paris, the pressure also mounts heavier for those who desire to be part of history. For the Philippines, 12 athletes — four men and eight women — have so far qualified to the quadrennial meet.
The tall order could mean slipping through the eye of the needle, with thousands from other countries also wanting a shot at securing a berth to the French capital.
Tokyo silver medalist Carlo Paalam leads the bunch of aspirants who wish to join fellow boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas in the Olympics as the national team gets its final chance at the World Qualifying Tournament which starts today, Friday, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Paalam banners the cast that includes veteran Rogen Ladon, Criztian Pitt Laurente and Hergie Bacyadan in the boxing tilt that offers a few remaining Paris spots.
While EJ Obiena remains as one of the country’s best hope for a medal in athletics, Lauren Hoffman, Eric Cray, John Cabang could join the picture and pull off surprises if they make it through the rigorous process of either hitting the Olympic standard or piling up enough points to obtain ranking places.
Our national swimmers could also send two delegates, one male and one female, under the universality rule which allows nations to send top-ranked representatives who missed the standard times. Remedy Rule and Luke Gebbie received invitations to compete in the Tokyo Games under the same rule.
Meanwhile, golfer Bianca Pagdanganan might make the cut after improving her world ranking at No. 116.
Pagdanganan, who recently had a joint seventh place finish in the LPGA Tour, could barge inside the top 60 as the Olympics only allows a maximum of four players per country.
With the deadline for entries set at the end of June less than a month before the Olympic fire lights up the sky of Paris on July 26, Filipino athletes from all fronts would willingly make their final push of joining the battle and, hopefully, if the stars align once again, eclipse the haul of one gold, two silver, and one bronze medals brought home three years ago.
Tokyo medalists Petecio (silver) and Marcial (bronze) should become the team's best assets as they gun for golden finishes with another opportunity on hand, while the likes of Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo could nail it this time after falling short the last time in the Tokyo Olympics.
Also part of the mission are Villegas, rower Joanie Delgaco, weightlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno, gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Levi Ruivivar, and fencer Samantha Catantan.
While we support the athletes who have earned Paris spots, let us not forget those who pushed themselves to their limits just to join the fight.
Winning in Paris is one goal, but the chase for Olympic berths might be the hardest race for these dedicated athletes after all.
(Ramon Rafael C. Bonilla is the Sports Editor of Manila Bulletin.)