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Sports & Fitness

Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz, and Other Pinoy Olympic Heroes

As Filipino athletes continue to shine on the world stage, it's the perfect time to celebrate those who’ve made their mark in Olympic history. Hidilyn Diaz clinched the nation's first Olympic gold, and Carlos Yulo followed up with an impressive double gold win in a single Olympics. Get inspired by their stories, along with those of boxers who pack a punch, a swimmer who made a splash, and more.

The Country's Pride at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Just like how Diaz inspired the nation with her historic gold medal win, a new generation of incredible Filipino athletes captivated audiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showing that the country can be a formidable force on the global sports stage.

Carlos Yulo: Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist


Filipinos' social media burst into wild cheers when Carlos Yulo won back-to-back Olympic gold medals.

After a heartbreaking fourth place in the vault event at the Tokyo Games, Carlos Yulo bounced back spectacularly to make history for the Philippines at the Paris 2024 Olympics.


Yulo secured the country's first-ever Olympic gold in gymnastics by beating Tokyo 2020 floor exercise champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel. A day later, he crushed the competition to claim the vault title, capturing the hearts of every Filipino along the way.

Nesthy Petecio: Silver and Bronze Olympic Medalist

Photo of Nesthy Petecio holding a medal while posing against a white background.

Nesthy Petecio made history in 2020 as the first Filipina to win an Olympic silver medal in boxing.

Image Credit: Nesthy Petecio Facebook

Nesthy Petecio made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the first Filipina to win an Olympic medal in boxing. She secured the silver medal in the women's featherweight division, defeating formidable opponents like Sena Irie in the finals.


Fast-forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 32-year-old boxer made the country proud again as she performed strongly throughout her bouts. She claimed the bronze medal in the women's 57 kg division.

Aira Villegas: Bronze Olympic Medalist

Photo of Aira Villegas outdoors.

Aira Villegas amazed Pinoys with her incredible performance, earning a bronze medal in her first-ever Olympics.

Image Credit: Aira Cordero Villegas Facebook

Aira Villegas made a stunning debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, fearlessly chasing a spot on the boxing podium. Her dedication led to an impressive bronze medal in the women's 50 kg event.


Villegas, a 2019 Southeast Asian Games medalist, has competed in two IBA Women's World Boxing Championships and the 2022 Asian Games. She secured her ticket to the 2024 Summer Olympics by triumphing in the women's flyweight division at the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament 1 in Italy.

Celebrate Hidilyn Diaz: The Country’s First Olympic Gold Medalist, 2020

Hidilyn Diaz's historic victory in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics brought immense pride to the Philippines, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's sports history.


Hidilyn Diaz, a weightlifting legend, made history by securing the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medal.

Diaz began weightlifting as a child, using makeshift barbells. She rose through the ranks, competing in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and World Championships. In 2016, the weightlifter won silver at the Rio Olympics, the first non-boxing medal for the Philippines since 1936. Four years later, she made history again by winning the nation's first Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games.


Diaz’s achievements inspire a new generation of athletes and instill a sense of national pride. She sees the growing success of Filipino athletes as a testament to the nation's strength and resilience.

Uncover History: The First Filipino Olympic Medalists

These trailblazers secured the Philippines' first medals, laying the foundation for future generations to dream big and achieve greatness.

Teofilo Yldefonso, Bronze, Men’s 200 Meter Breaststroke, 1928

A closeup photo of Teofilo Yldefonso.

Teófilo Yldefonso, a.k.a. the "Ilocano Shark," made history as the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal.

Image Credit: Philippine Veteran Affairs Office

Known as the "Ilocano Shark," Teófilo Yldefonso made history as the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal. He secured bronze in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 1928 and 1932 Olympics. His innovative breaststroke technique earned him the title "Father of the Modern Breaststroke."

Simeon Toribio, Bronze, Men’s High Jump, 1932

A black and white photo of Simeon Toribio outdoors.

A skilled high jumper, Simeon Toribio won the Philippines' first Olympic medal in athletics in 1932.

Image Credit: Bohol Provincial Library

Simeon Toribio, a Filipino high jumper, competed in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. He secured a bronze medal—the country's first Olympic medal in athletics. Beyond his athletic achievements, Toribio also served as a member of the House of Representatives.

Miguel White, Bronze, Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles, 1936

Filipino-American Miguel White showcased his speed at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdles. Before the Olympics, White was already a decorated athlete, winning gold at the Far Eastern Games.

Discover the Boxing Champions Through the Years

From the early days of Olympic participation, Filipino boxers have consistently showcased their prowess in the global ring. Explore the legacy of these pugilists who have brought pride and honor to the nation.

José Villanueva, Bronze, Men’s Bantamweight, 1932

José Villanueva won a bronze medal in the bantamweight division at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, one of the country's first Olympic medals. After his boxing career, Villanueva became a renowned boxing trainer, mentoring future champions like Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.

Anthony Villanueva, Silver, Men’s Featherweight, 1964

Anthony Villanueva, nicknamed "Boy" for his youthful looks, followed in the footsteps of his father, José. Villanueva fought his way to the finals at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. His silver medal win, a first for the Philippines, inspired countless young Filipino athletes.

Leopoldo Serrantes, Bronze, Men’s Light Flyweight, 1988

In 1988, Leopoldo Serrantes ended the 24-year Olympic medal drought in the Philippines. This two-time Southeast Asian Games champion defeated boxers from Egypt, Liberia, and Morocco before losing to the Bulgarian Ivailo Khristov in the semifinals. Despite the loss, his bronze medal victory inspired future generations of boxers to strive for greatness.

Roel Velasco, Bronze, Men’s Light Flyweight, 1992

Photo of Roel Velasco with a fellow Association of Boxing Alliances Philippines coach.

Roel Velasco secured a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and is now a renowned coach.

Image Credit: Roel Velasco Facebook

Roel Velasco won an Olympic bronze in the light flyweight division at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. His lightning-fast footwork and sharp punches led him to victory over opponents from Kenya and India. Though he didn't reach the finals, Roel's Olympic win inspired his younger brother, Onyok, who later won silver in the same weight class.

Mansueto Velasco, Silver, Men’s Light Flyweight, 1996

Photo of Onyok Velasco posing with a Siklab Sports Youth Award against a white background.

Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco’s silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics highlights the Velasco family’s contribution to Philippine boxing.

Image Credit: Onyok Velasco Instagram

Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco continued the family's Olympic success in 1996. At the Atlanta Olympics, he won a silver medal in the light flyweight division, marking a significant achievement for the Philippines. It was the country's sole medal at the Atlanta Games.

Carlo Paalam, Silver, Men’s Flyweight, 2020

Photo of Carlo Paalam at the 23rd Gabriel Flash Elorde Boxing Awards.

Paalam earned a silver medal in the men's flyweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Image Credit: Carlo Paalam Instagram

Carlo Paalam, a boxer from Cagayan de Oro, captured a silver medal in the men's flyweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He defeated opponents from Ireland, Algeria, Uzbekistan, and Japan in the Tokyo Olympics before facing Galal Yafai in the finals. Though he didn't win gold, his silver medal was a testament to his perseverance and talent.

Eumir Marcial, Bronze, Men’s Middleweight, 2020

Photo of Eumir Marcial in boxing attire against a blue background, with the Philippine Flag draped around his shoulders.

Eumir Marcial earned bronze in the 2020 Olympics. He balances his pro career with representing the Philippines.

Image Credit: Eumir Marcial Instagram

Professional boxer Eumir Marcial won a bronze medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics and a silver medal in the 2019 AIBA World Championships. He's also a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist. Marcial turned professional in 2020 and has won all five of his fights.

Celebrate the Triumphs of Pinoy Olympians

Filipino athletes have showcased their skill and determination on the global stage, with standout performances such as Hidilyn Diaz's historic gold medal, Carlos Yulo’s double gold win, and the Velasco brothers' dominance in boxing. Their accomplishments showcase the unwavering drive and potential of the Filipino spirit.


Plus, their success on the international stage not only brings pride to the nation but also inspires the next generation of Filipino sports stars to strive for greatness.


Don't miss a moment as you cheer on these inspiring champions. Get fast and stable internet at home with GFiber Postpaid or GFiber Prepaid to celebrate the victories of your Filipino sports heroes in the comfort of your home. Or watch in real-time while on the go with All-New GPlan PLUS 999 or Go59 prepaid promo. Don't just watch from the sidelines—be with your favorite sports hero, from Carlos Yulo to Hidilyn Diaz, every step of the way.

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