Smallest PH contingent to 2012 London Olympics seen

Mark Anthony Barriga of Philippines fights with Hitarihun Agust (R) of Indonesia in the men's lightfly (46-49kg) boxing quarterfinal during the 26th Southeast Asian games (SEAGAMES) in Palembang, Sumatra province on November 15, 2011. AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN

MANILA, Philippines—Perish the thought of a strong Philippine contingent and a first-ever gold medal for the country in the 2012 London Olympics.

The country’s chef de mission to the Summer Games, Manny Lopez, said Thursday that the country might field no more than six athletes in London next year.

The Philippine Sports Commission, which will fund the training and participation of these athletes, is also not convinced that the country could finally land an Olympic gold, according to PSC chief Richie Garcia.

Only boxer Mark Anthony Barriga has qualified to the London Games.

Several athletes from boxing, taekwondo, wrestling, fencing, sailing and weightlifting are still hoping to make the Olympics via the back door as wild-card entries.

Lopez, the first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said the wild-card hopefuls would need to convince the international federation (IFs) of their sport first that they have a fighting chance in the Olympics.

“I think those with good relations with their IFs have a good chance,” said Lopez. “If [they don’t make the grade], we could be sending the smallest number of athletes to the Olympics.”

Fifteen Filipinos competed in eight sports in the 2008 Beijing Games.