OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Twenty-two narratives of Filipino excellence and grit unfolded on the grandest sporting stage as our athletes competed in nine events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Salutations are in order. Their exceptional skills and unwavering spirit have earned the nation’s profound admiration. Surely, we are indebted to them for inspiring a nation. Now it is incumbent upon us to translate these triumphs and continuing struggles into a lasting legacy by ensuring a sustainable foundation for Philippine sports. 

Our prevailing mindset toward our athletes' performances, whether field victory or defeat, needs to be revisited, if not overhauled. I am careful to use “field” as qualifier as I momentarily separate these indicators to our collective glory, shame and calls to examine existing paradigms in between. Every genuine victory has to start somewhere. While certainly indicative of the Philippine Sports System, what transpires on the podiums of whichever host state for the Olympics or any similar event, both at home and abroad, does not present the entirety of our athletes’ potential and contribution. The road to greatness from our point of origin – and our Olympic history supports this – is often preceded by defeats on the field.

While the outpouring of support for Filipino athletes is undoubtedly heartfelt, it often manifests as a post-victory phenomenon. The conferment of a medal, particularly that elusive gold, typically ignites a wave of national pride and adulation. However, the sustained support and encouragement that athletes need to reach the podium in the first place are still far from ideal. Given the more pressing socioeconomic issues confronting the nation like unemployment, it is not surprising that sports development often takes a backseat in the allocation of resources. 

The important point is we can direct our emotionally-charged responses toward needed policy reforms. Passion, without proper nourishment, will wither in no time. Hindi ito puso lang. We have examples of defining setbacks that directly impact our athletes leading to the eventual decision of some to represent other flags. Sports development need not be compartmentalized or worse, be relegated to the sidelines because its value in nation-building survives temporary bouts of euphoria. Its purposive role is well enshrined in our fundamental law and these provisions are not mere decorations placed by our esteemed framers.

Our performance thus far in the Paris Olympics underscores our ability to shine in disciplines beyond the traditional pillars of Philippine sports: Basketball, billiards, and boxing. The outstanding performance of Carlos Yulo in artistic gymnastics highlights the breadth and depth of Filipino talent. It is imperative to provide a diverse range of athletic opportunities to nurture future champions. The social value of sports should not be appreciated in a zero-sum game situation. The ongoing discourse on advantage-focused opportunities can be enriched by the insights of Dr. Gideon Lasco, a Filipino medical anthropologist, whose book “Height Matters” (University of the Philippines Press, 2023) offers invaluable data and analysis.

Champions are forged in the crucible of adversity. Remember, our athletes first receive the respect due them here before the world begins to see what they are made of. By investing in their holistic development, we not only cultivate athletic excellence but also contribute to the nation's progress. 

Let me share one proposal and one takeaway from the National Sports Summit 2021 hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission. Session 13 covered the topic of Sports Legislation in the Philippines and the fitting guest speaker was no other than Atty. Alberto Agra, a fellow election lawyer whose contributions have been instrumental in advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

His advocacy includes the Sports-for-a-Purpose policy that can be adopted by local government units. The draft ordinance is replete with provisions outlining the rights and responsibilities of athletes.

We distinguish between Olympians, those who grace the Olympic stage and Olympists, the bigger set of those individuals who adhere to Olympic ideals. While only a few of us can be considered the former, we are all called to be the latter.

With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games drawing near, we are once again in a position to root for our delegates. Together, we can make this hope data-driven because it can be glorious in terms of more facilities, dorm slots and sufficient funding – tangible things that convey authentic honor to our homegrown champions beyond the accolades.

(Atty. Gregorio “Goyo” Larrazabal is a former Comelec commissioner. He is a pioneer of automated elections being a member of the Commission that successfully modernized Philippine elections in 2010. He remains deeply involved in public service as an election lawyer. Email: [email protected])