Paalam says he has unfinished business in Paris Olympics
BOXER Carlo Paalam is ready to pick up where he left off in his previous Olympics stint.
For his second Olympics appearance, a different Paalam will step into the ring as he is now a man of focus, commitment and sheer will — ready to do whatever it takes to take home the gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
«I am getting goosebumps… I will give my best. My target this time is the gold medal. Winning bronze or silver is already difficult, but I am ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish my goal… which is the first spot,» Paalam told The Manila Times while rubbing his arms and shoulders.
A DIFFERENT MAN Paris Olympic-bound boxer Carlo Paalam conditions and trains hard at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for the upcoming Summer Games in the City of Lights. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO«I am finding myself. The Carlo before and the Carlo now are two different persons. I am more of a silent type, and I want the work and let the results speak for itself. I will just move the way that I am.»
Paalam won silver in his Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games. This time, he aims to not settle for a second place finish and exceed his previous performance.
«I will give my best. I will not regret anything that I will do as long as I do my best. I am carrying myself and my family, and of course, I am representing the Philippines. [In Paris] that is where I will show that the Carlo today has more to offer than the Carlo before.»
AdvertisementReturning to the Olympics for the second time with Eumir Marcial and Nesthy Petecio, Paalam said he was glad that their trio was complete.
But he said it was tough for him mentally, especially since he was the last one who booked a ticket to Paris.
«I did not expect to qualify. I was the last one to secure a slot from the three of us. I was always the last.»
With a mix of hard work, skill and talent, the 25-year-old boxer believes that qualifying for the Olympics is a miracle since he surrendered early in the World Qualification Tournament due to a shoulder injury.
Advertisement«Now I am so happy that five of us are representing the Philippines (Hergie Bacyadan, Aira Villegas, Marcial and Petecio). I am so thankful. This is a miracle since I
