Sports execs confident PH bets will snap medal-drought

THE CONFIDENCE level among top sports officials is high that the Philippines can bring home a medal of any color from the 31st Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr. yesterday expressed optimism the 12-athlete delegation to the Games would finally break the country’s long-medal drought in the greatest sports spectacle in the world.

“I’m really hoping for a medal,” said Cojuangco. “All of them really qualified. There’s a chance.”

Boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco was the last Filipino medalist in the Olympics after pocketing a silver medal in 1996 Atlanta.

“If you make it to the Olympics, it means you’re among the best in the world,” said Cojuangco.

Weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia have strong chances for a podium finish after consistently clinching medals on the world and continental stage.

Hurdler Eric Shauwn Cray is also showing great progress the past few months as well as long jump specialist Marestella Torres-Sunang.

They could break the 20-year medal shortage in the Olympics together with taekwondo jin Kirstie Elaine Alora, boxers Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez. The Philippines has never won a gold medal in the Games.

“All of them have equal chances to excel,” said Olympic chef de mission Joey Romasanta. “It should be noted that they were not just included, they competed against the best in the region and in the world to qualify.”

Table netter Ian Lariba has been picked flag-bearer during the opening ceremony on Aug. 5.

Completing the cast are marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, golfer Miguel Tabuena and swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Khing Lacuna.

“Quality-wise, I’m confident they can do it,” said Romasanta, also the 1st vice president of the POC.