Paris Olympics: Hergie Bacyadan admits inexperience spelled her doom

Philippines’ Hergie Bacyadan takes a swing at China’s Li Qian in their women’s 75 kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

MANILA, Philippines — Hergie Bacyadan admitted the lack of experience got the better of her after an early exit in the Paris Olympics 2024 but it was still a debut to remember.

Bacyadan yielded to No.1 seed and two-time Olympic medalist Li Qian of China in the women’s 75-kilogram round of 16 on Wednesday at North Star Paris Arena.

“It’s really a bit disappointing because I was already here,” said the Filipino Olympic debutant in an interview with Olympics broadcaster One Sports.

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“We were matched up. It’s not that I were scared or that our opponent was top-ranked; I did everything we could to win the fight. But I still lack experience in boxing. No excuses, as they say—I lost, but I should still be happy.”

The 29-year-old boxer couldn’t stop Li, a 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics bronze medalist and Tokyo Games runner-up, as the latter landed more blows, emerging as the winner for all the judges, 30-27.

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Bacyadan apologized to her coaches, who were heard encouraging her to keep on punching during the match, saying she was brave enough to face the formidable foe but had to find the right timing to attack, which she had a hard time.

RESULTS: Team Philippines at Paris Olympics 2024 July 31

“I just told the coaches, ‘Sorry, coach, I did my best. We’re just not yet at that level where we can beat the high-ranking opponents,'” she said. “But in terms of bravery, we have it. I was just trying to time my punches because she’s really good at counterpunching—that’s her game.”

Bacyadan, a former world champion in vovinam who decided to return to the Philippine national boxing team, remained grateful to her coaches, fellow boxers, and sparring partners for helping her realize her Olympic dream.

It may have been a short Olympic debut, but Bacyadan has already made a name for herself by making it to the Paris Games.

“I’m etched in history now. I’ll always be known as an Olympian, so I’m so happy and blessed to be part of the Olympians,” she said.