Nesthy Petecio vows no let up in bid for Paris Olympics gold

The Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio reacts after beating China’s Xu Zichun (Blue) in the women’s 57kg quarter-final boxing match during the Paris Olympics 2024 at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on August 4, 2024. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Can’t stop, won’t stop.

That’s Nesthy Petecio’s mindset just two wins away from a Paris Olympics 2024 gold medal.

“Walang hinto hangga’t walang ginto,” said Petecio in an interview with Olympic broadcaster One Sports shortly after barging into the semifinal of the women’s 57kg boxing. 

“Dalawa na lang, hopefully, makuha na natin this time.”

READ: Nesthy Petecio ousts Chinese foe to reach boxing semifinals

The pride of Davao del Sur had a golden opportunity to clinch the gold in the Tokyo Olympics but she came up short in the final after losing to Sena Irie of Japan.

Petecio assured herself of at least a bronze after a unanimous decision victory over China’s X Zichun in the quarterfinal on Sunday night (Manila time) at North Paris Arena.

But the 32-year-old Petecio won’t settle for less as she is determined to go all the way this time.

The Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio reacts after beating China’s Xu Zichun (Blue) in the women’s 57kg quarterfinal boxing match during the Paris Olympics 2024 at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on August 4, 2024. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

Petecio, who had an early exit in the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year, believes that her setback had a purpose as it made her stronger and better for her second Olympic stint.

“Naniniwala po kasi ako sa mga bagay na kapag yung gustong gusto mo makuha at hindi binigay ni Lord, may mas magandang purpose po siya,” she said. “Itong [panalo] yung pinakamagandang purpose po ni Lord at madami din po kaming natutunan after ng Asian Games.”

READ: Paris Olympics: Nesthy Petecio nears medal, beats home bet

The 5-foot-2 Petecio said she and her team took valuable lessons from the Asian Games campaign.

“Madaming binago yung coaches, sobrang open sa isa’t isa so mas na-achieve namin kung ano yung goal namin sa Abap,” said Petecio. “Hindi ko siya makukuha ng sa akin lang, si God andiyan yung pamilya ko. But besides that, coaches ko, sila yung umaalalay sa amin. Kung wala sila, wala yung guidance nila hindi ko mararating kung nasaan po ako ngayon.”

Petecio battles Poland’s Julia Szeremeta for a spot in the gold medal round.