In a recent announcement, POC president Mayor Bambol Tolentino revealed that a delegation of approximately 25 athletes is expected to represent the country at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The team will include more qualifiers from various sports such as boxing, golf, judo, cycling, swimming, athletics, skateboarding, gymnastics, and weightlifting, aiming to add to the current pool of 12 athletes.
Tolentino mentioned that at least two swimmers are set to join the delegation, either through direct qualification or universality. In athletics, athletes like John Cabang Tolentino, Robyn Brown, Lauren Hoffman, Eric Cray, Janry Ubas, and Kristina Knott are among the contenders. The 4×400 men’s relay team also has a shot at qualifying, with Hussein Lorana, Mico del Prado, Frederick Ramirez, and Joyme Sequita teaming up.
Furthermore, four boxers will participate in the final qualifiers in Bangkok, aiming to secure their spots in the Olympics. Additionally, weightlifter Rosegie Ramos is waiting for confirmation on her qualification status, while gymnast Emma Malabuyo is said to have a 50-50 chance of making it to the Games.
Tolentino expressed his hopes for a delegation of 25 athletes, which would be the largest in recent years for the Philippines. The country’s biggest Olympic team consisted of 53 athletes in the 1972 Munich Games. Since 1996, the largest delegation was 20 athletes in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. If the target of 25 athletes is achieved, it will mark the largest contingent in almost three decades.
