PH athletes in Rio hope to draw inspiration from Diaz

Rogen Ladon.

After weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz ended the Philippines’ 20-year medal drought in the Olympics, boxer Rogen Ladon hopes to give Filipinos another reason to celebrate when he competes in the light flyweight or 49-kilogram class Monday night.

Ladon makes his Olympic debut against Yuberjen Martinez of Colombia in the Round of 16.

The 22-year-old Ladon drew a bye in the preliminary stage. Two wins will secure Ladon a bronze medal while four victories assure him of a gold.

The country’s other boxer Charly Suarez had already bowed out of contention after losing to Joseph Cordina of Great Britain by splits  decision early Sunday morning.

Like Suarez, Ian Lariba of table tennis, Jessie Khing Lacuna of swimming and Nestor Colonia of weightlifting were also sent into early exits.

Apart from Ladon, seven other Filipinos have yet to compete.

Judoka Kodo Nakano participates in the 81 kg class on Tuesday, swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi eyes to make a splash in the women’s 100-meter freestyle on Wednesday while golfer Miguel Tabuena takes a swing starting Thursday.

Marathoner Mary Joy Tabal and hurdler Eric Cray lace up on Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, respectively while long jump queen Marestella Torres-Sunang makes his third and final Olympic stint on Aug. 15 and finally, jin Kirstie Elaine Alora tests her mettle in the +67 kg on Aug. 20.

The remaining athletes hope to draw inspiration from Diaz, who bagged the silver medal early Monday morning.

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