Nesthy Petecio also dedicates silver win to LGBTQ community

Second-placed Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio celebrates after the women’s feather (54-57kg) boxing final bout against Japan’s Sena Irie during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 3, 2021. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines–Whenever Nesthy Petecio steps in the ring, she represents millions of Filipinos all over the world—especially the LGBTQ community.

The Davao del Sur star proudly flew the flag for the LGBTQ community in her maiden Olympics campaign in Tokyo where she won the silver medal in boxing.

“I am proud to be part of the LGBTQ community. Sulong, laban (Let’s go, fight)! Para rin po sa LGBTQ community ang laban na ‘to (This fight is also for the LGBTQ community),” Petecio said after her women’s featherweight final on Tuesday.

"I am proud to be part of the LGBTQ community. Sulong, laban! Para rin po sa LGBTQ community ang laban na ‘to." –Nesthy Petecio, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist (featherweight) #Tokyo2020 | @ftjochoaINQ pic.twitter.com/tE61l2wwNb

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 3, 2021

Petecio fell to hometown bet Sena Irie for the gold medal in a closely contested match that questionably ended via unanimous decision.

Despite the result, Petecio still made history, becoming only the fourth Filipino to take home the silver.

Her journey also doesn’t end in Tokyo as she remains determined to claim the gold in Paris 2024.