July 26 ------ Two returning Olympians and one debutant will mark the start of the Philippines' campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday, July 27.
Filipino gymnastics wunderkind Carlos Yulo, boxing ace Eumir Marcial, and history-maker rower Joanie Delgaco will kick off the bid just a day after the Opening Ceremonies set on Friday at the Seine River. The 24-year-old Yulo will compete in the qualification round of the men’s individual all-around slated at 9:30 p.m., Philippine time, at the Bercy Arena while Marcial will see action in the round of 32 of the men's 80kg division happening at 9:30 p.m. as well.
Delgaco will open her first Summer Games appearance on the same day, competing in the Heats round of women's single sculls penciled in for around 3 p.m. here. Yulo is looking to surpass his showing in the Tokyo Olympics, when he came close to a podium finish after ranking fourth in the men's vault finals, falling just short of becoming the first Filipino gymnast to cop an Olympic medal. Marcial, meanwhile, is eyeing to build on his bronze medal finish in the previous Games, where he also participated in the same men's 80kg weight division.
Delgaco has already made history as she emerged as the first Filipina rower to make it to the quadrennial event and the second rowing bet in as many editions after Cris Nievarez qualified on the men's side in Tokyo. With the three athletes opening the country's bid, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino is confident the country will eclipse its four-medal haul from Tokyo. “This team, I believe, is the most prepared in Philippine Olympic history,” said Tolentino. “Our athletes have trained and prepared through a tried-and-tested template that guarantees an Olympic medal." he added.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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