Foreign ambassadors in Manila took to social media to celebrate the success of Filipino Olympians’ who arrived back in Manila last Tuesday, Aug. 13.
The first family with Filipino Olympians at the Malacañang Palace on Aug. 13, 2024. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
German Ambassador to Manila Andreas Pfaffernoschke congratulated the whole team for a “historic success.”
“Congratulations and welcome home, team (Philippines)! You have done a wonderful job in #Paris2024. You have demonstrated, what commitment, training and enthusiasm can achieve! A really historic success for the (the Philippines)! Bravo!!!,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
Ambassadors David Hartman of Canada and Endo Kazuya of Japan were exuberant with the win, which involved two gold medals for gymnast Carlos Yulo and two bronze medals for boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.
“Way to go Team Philippines! Bravo!!!,” Hartman wrote.
“Truly a time for celebration! We join the (Philippines) in welcoming the return of your stellar athletes after their incredible #Paris2024 Olympics journey. Shattering world records and defying expectations, you've shown us all what Filipino determination and grit is all about!,” Japan’s envoy added.
While Ambassadors Hae Kyong Yu of Australia and Marie Fontanel of France lauded the Filipino olympians’ win, they also said they are looking forward to the Paralympics, which will run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 in Paris, France.
“An historic Olympics Games for our (Australia) & (Philippine) athletes. Welcome home, we’re so proud of you all! Now to see what our amazing Paralympians can do,” Yu said.
“That was just exceptional. Happy, proud and already nostalgic after those magical Olympic Games #Paris2024,” Fontanel chimed in.
“But good news... Paralympics start soon!!
And we will continue celebrating the (Olympics) spirit in Manila! Congratulations to the (Philippines) for 4 beautiful medals,” she added.
The 2024 Olympics has easily become the most successful for the Philippines in 100 years after Yulo bagged two gold medals for the floor and vault events, while Petecio and Olympic debutant Villegas earned one bronze medal each in their respective divisions in women’s boxing.
The Olympians arrived in a Philippine Airlines chartered flight on Tuesday night and were welcomed by the First Family, led by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
On Wednesday, Aug. 14, a parade through the streets of Manila celebrated the athletes’ homecoming.