NESTHY PETECIO’S not giving up hope on her dream to win a Olympic gold medal.
“Not until the 2024 Olympics start, I’ll always focus on qualifying for Paris,” said the 21-year-old Petecio, a silver medalist in women’s boxing in Tokyo 2020.
“I have been learning from my mistakes,” added Petecio, referring to his muffed campaign in last month’s Hangzhou Asian Games where he exited after her first fight.
Petecio and Carlo Paalam, also a silver medalist in Tokyo, also failed to qualify for Paris through the Hangzhou Asiad where only the finalists in the boxing competitions get automatic Olympic berths.
Only Eumir Felix Marcial, who clinched bronze in Tokyo, did that when he settled for a silver medal in men’s light heavyweight.
Tops on Petecio’s calendar is the first Olympic qualifier in Busto Arsizio near Milan in Italy from February 29 to March 12. She has another chance—her last—at the world championships in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3.
“I have to improve every skill in my body, from my footwork to power, and speed as well,” Petecio said. “I will give it my best as long as there’s still a chance.”
She lost to top-ranked Taiwanese Lin Yu Ting, 4-1, in the preliminary round in Hangzhou.
“I was beaten, Icouldn’t catch up,” said Petecio, a two0time Southeast Asian Games champion. “That’s why I’m resting for now then I will be back in full training and conditioning after the All Souls.”
Rest from the ring also means active duty for Petecio at the Philippine Coast Guard.