NIGHT OWL
The Philippines concluded its 2024 Paris Olympics campaign on a high note after achieving its best performance to date.
On our centennial participation in the Olympic Games, we finished with two gold medals courtesy of gymnast Carlos Yulo, two bronze medals from boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, and many of our athletes achieving their personal best records at the global quadrennial meet.
If we are to look at this performance, and the previous in Tokyo — where we won our first Olympic gold medal courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, two silver from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and a bronze from boxer Eumir Marcial — then the future looks really bright for us in the succeeding Olympics.
A deeper look at the issues, however, some were even aired by the athletes themselves, could prove challenging instead of inspiring for future Olympians. We need to further our support for sports and our athletes if our goal is to continuously improve at the global stage.
In fact, it is time that we nurture the various talents of Filipinos, not only in sports, but also in the arts where many Filipinos can also excel.
Nurturing starts by encouraging the discovery of talent and providing a conducive environment to reach one’s full potential. There also needs to be a change in mindset, specifically the thinking that sports and the arts are extracurricular activities, hobbies, or pastime. We need to see them as fruitful careers.
American psychologist Howard Gardner developed the multiple intelligences theory, which asserts that each individual has different learning areas, mainly categorized into nine intelligence areas: musical–rhythmic, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, bodily–kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential intelligence.
Those whose strength is bodily-kinesthetic are great at coordinating their mind with their body. These are the individuals who are good and can easily excel at sports and performing arts. For example, Yulo says he finds joy in gymnastics. He looks forward to trainings and practices, and has learned to cultivate a positive mindset. He has found his passion because there were people who encouraged him to nurture his bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
If only we can nurture each individual’s passion instead of forcing them to always choose “mainstream” careers, many Filipinos can live more productive, inspired, and fulfilling lives.
It is high time that we provide the needed support for sports and the arts, not only in terms of encouragement but also in tangible support, particularly in expanding infrastructure.
While Yulo’s career soared into greater heights when his talent was honed while training in Japan where facilities are world-class, the Rizal Memorial Stadium will remain as the platform where everything started for the very young gymnast.
Diaz, whose interest in weightlifting was encouraged by her relatives, knows the challenges that athletes face due to the lack of training facilities and other crucial support. Which is why the Olympic champion has now built her own weightlifting gym to train a new breed of champions. Many other Filipino athletes have used their success to inspire young and aspiring athletes by building their own sports facilities or create training programs.
Meanwhile, for arts to thrive, we need to build more creative spaces where individuals can explore and improve their creativity. For instance, Baguio City, which is a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts, has become a creative hub where local arts, crafts and performances are being showcased.
The expansion of sports and arts infrastructure, especially world-class ones, will also place the country in a competitive position to host international competitions, which can help improve the experience and exposure of our local talents.
It is time that we leverage the multitude of talents that Filipinos possess. Let us provide that healthy and safe environment where citizens have equal opportunities to discover, nurture, and hone their talents and intelligence to become the best version of themselves.