President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos congratulated Aira Villegas, who clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 50 kg boxing of the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Filipino boxer Aira Villegas (left) fights Naz Buse Cakiroglu of Turkey. (AP Photo)
The First Couple took to their official Facebook pages to express their gratitude to the Filipina boxer.
“Congratulations, Aira! That was a knockout performance in your Olympic debut! You made us all proud and are surely an inspiration to young Filipinas,” the President wrote.
“Thank you for bringing home the bronze. 𝘔𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘺 𝘬𝘢 (Long live)!,” he added.
The First Lady, on the other hand, said she couldn’t wait to welcome Villegas back home.
“Pinays can really pack a punch worthy of an Olympic medal!,” she said.
“Congratulations, Aira! You put up a fantastic fight in your Olympic debut. We are all very proud of you and we can’t wait to welcome you home!,” she added.
Villegas, an Olympic debutant who would receive P2 million for this win under Republic Act 10699 or the Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act, fell to Turkiye’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu, who now has a chance to the gold medal.
Her bronze medal win brings the Philippines’ total medal tally in the Paris Olympics to four since fellow boxer Nesthy Petecio is also assured of at least a bronze medal.
Petecio will have a chance to the gold medal if she wins on her Thursday morning (Manila time) bout.