And another Filipina is bringing home an Olympic medal! Riding off Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal win in the Tokyo Olympics, it looks like Filipinos will have more to celebrate about. Women’s featherweight boxer Nesthy Petecio just secured an Olympic medal after winning her quarterfinal fight, as per Philippine Daily Inquirer.Â
On July 28, Petecio emerged victorious against Yeni Arias Castaneda of Colombia via unanimous decision at Kokugikan Arena. Two judges gave Petecio all three rounds, 30-27, while three others had it, 29-28, for the Filipino world champion.
With this win, she’s two fights away from an Olympic gold medal. The 29-year old Davao native will fight against European champion Irma Testa of Italy this Saturday, July 31.
With Petecio assured of a podium finish, this year’s Olympics marks the first time the country won multiple medals since the 1932 Los Angeles games. There are still multiple Pinoy athletes in the mix, so there’s a chance Petecio won’t be the last medalist in Tokyo.
To add to this, the 2019 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championship featherweight gold medalist is set to be the first Filipino boxer to bring home an Olympic medal since Onyok Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Games. How awesome, right?
Needless to say, the country is excited for Petecio’s upcoming matchup. After all, Petecio is in the running of possibly winning another Olympic gold medal for the country. If she emerges victorious in her upcoming fights, she will cement her place in Philippine sports history, and win millions in incentives, like Diaz.Â
Regardless of the final results, the country is already proud of Petecio. It would be fantastic if she could win the country another gold though. It would give Pinoys around the world much needed inspiration and hope amid the challenges everyone is facing.
