PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino believes country’s mission to win its first-ever Olympic gold medal will be accomplished in Tokyo.
“The time is now,” said.
So far, only four Fipino athletes have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics set from July 23 to August 8. They are world chapion gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial and Irish Magno.
Close to 50 more athletes in various sports will vie in Olympic qualifers spread out from April to June.
The Philippines started participating in the Olympics in 1924 and grabbed 10 medals—three silvers and seven bronzes.
“I believe that we are in the best position to win that Olympic gold,” said Tolentino, also the PhilCycling president.
On the potential cancellation of the Olympics because of escalating Covid-19 cases in Japan, Tolentino said he never entertained that thought.
“I am a positive person. The Olympics will happen, the International Olympic Committee, and the host country [Japan] will make it happen,” Tolentino said. “We only have one plan and that is to win a gold medal in the Olympics. There’s no Plan B so let’s not even think that it won’t push through.”
“These are the Olympics where the Philippines has a high probability of winning a gold medal—or even more,” he added.
The Tokyo organizers released what they called a playbook on protocols for the Games to all national Olympic committees.
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