Tokyo gold within reach

Two and a half weeks remain before the Tokyo Olympics finally open. With 19 athletes qualified, the Philippines has several solid chances to win a gold medal. In this column, we take a closer look at some of the Filipinos who have the most reasonable opportunities to bring home a medal.

Given the vagaries of scheduling, the luck of the draw and injuries, boxing is one of the most difficult to speculate on, though it has the most number of entries with four. As long as the Nationals maintain weight, they will always contend. Initially, middleweight Eumir Marcial was being touted as the country’s best chance overall of winning a gold medal, even more than 2016 silver medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. He has also fought a third of his potential rivals in Tokyo. However, due to disappointments in recent months, and his apparent ingratitude towards the Philippine Sports Commission, that sentiment has been muted as of late. For this writer, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t medal. Flyweight Carlo Paalam is always seen as an underdog, which is fitting given how tough his field is. Between featherweight Nesthy Petecio and flyweight Irish Magno, one of them should medal, with Magno being the more unpredictable and thus, more dangerous. There is one problem, though. India’s Mary Kom, the only boxer – male or female – to ever win eight World Amateur Boxing Championship medals (including six golds) is fighting in her last Olympics, and is in Magno’s weight class.

Speaking of the aforementioned Diaz, despite a 14-month layoff, her performances lately almost assure her of a medal, particularly in the clean and jerk, through which she won the silver medal in Brazil five years ago. Though some of her rivals were affected by a steroid scandal three years ago, she is still surrounded by tough Chinese lifters. Considering that her weight class was consolidated, making it easier for her to make weight, Diaz has an even better shot at exceeding what she achieved in Rio. For surprise entry Elreen Ando, however, it may be a different story. The Cebuana was not yet expecting to make it into the Olympics, but leaped into contention for a spot with an impressive showing at the Asian Weightlifting Championships. However, in a division ruled by tougher, more experienced European opponents, Ando is definitely a long shot.

For this writer, the most intriguing potential for a gold medal is pole vaulter EJ Obiena. He has constantly been improving, and most recently topped the field in the Taby Stavhoppsgala Street Pole Vault in Sweden. Though that most recent effort of 5.80 meters is still off both Mondo Duplantis’ indoor and outdoor records of 6.15 and 6.18 meters, respectively, Obiena has bested Duplantis in competition this year. Also, the Olympic record is closer at 6.03 meters, set by Obiena’s training partner Thiago Braz of Brazil when he won the gold in 2016. Ergo, Obiena’s familiarity and experience against the world’s best will serve him well in Japan. It is a question of peaking at the right moment.

Our athletes start heading to Tokyo to handle the health protocols and quarantine requirements of the Japanese government. They are fully supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee. A court-side seat awaits President Duterte should any of them be poised to win a rare gold medal. A country’s hopes go with them on this most challenging journey.

More in an upcoming column.