Close calls deserve credit, too

Three athletes delivered four medals for the Philippines at the Paris Olympics compared to four who brought home the same hardware in the previous edition in Tokyo three years ago. But the big difference was in Paris, the harvest included two golds, a first in Philippine sports history while in Tokyo, the haul had one.

Gymnast Carlos Yulo saved the day with his double gold while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio contributed a bronze apiece in Paris. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bagged a gold in Tokyo with Petecio and another boxer Carlo Paalam claiming silvers and still another boxer Eumir Marcial a bronze. The Philippines’ medal collection in 23 appearances in 100 years of Olympic participation now consists of three golds, five silvers and 10 bronzes.

Boxing is the biggest medal contributor with 10 but the sport has still to hit paydirt. Gymnastics, weightlifting, athletics and swimming are the only other sports with medals at two apiece. There were 13 Olympics where the Philippines returned home without a single medal. The good news is the country has landed at least two podium finishes in the last three Olympics so the trend is encouraging.

There were several close calls in Paris, heartbreakers that left athletes crestfallen but inspired to rise from the stumble. They were narrow misses. And even if the frustration was evident, they were still a source of celebration. Making it to the Olympics is a feat in itself. Athletes prepare for years to qualify, sacrificing so much of their personal lives to bring honor to their countries. For the 22 athletes who represented the Philippines in Paris, congratulations for becoming part of history and the nation is grateful for their efforts, dedication and courage.

The three athletes who came tantalizingly close to securing a medal were pole vaulter EJ Obiena, Paalam and golfer Bianca Pagdanganan. Obiena, 28, wound up fourth in the pole vault final, the highest Asian finish ever in the event. The third placer Emmanouil Karalis clinched the bronze by virtue of one less attempt during the run-up to breaching 5.90. Obiena cleared the same height but dropped out because of one more attempt at 5.80. Obiena had three tries