Ernest John Obiena from the Philippines, celebrates after winning in the men's pole vault athletics event at the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) in the athletics stadium in Clark City, Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila on December 7, 2019. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Cover Ernest John Obiena from the Philippines, celebrates after winning in the men's pole vault athletics event at the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) in the athletics stadium in Clark City, Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila on December 7, 2019. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
The past season in various fields of sports has been a bright one for the country. Here are some names who have made waves as they earned medals, accolades, and high praises in the global stage

1. Hidilyn Diaz

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Above Photographed by Mark Nicdao

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s stellar performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics meant much more than just winning a competition. Not only was her victory historical, but also an eye-opener. “Winning the first Olympic Gold for the country was proof that despite the pandemic and all its challenges, we were able to give honour to the Philippines and lift the spirits of our
countrymen,” Diaz says.

“We so lack national care, and [to hear] people [say] that the gold made them feel better, I am more than grateful.” Diaz has come a long way from trying different types of sports to seeing her full potential in weightlifting which has given her a chance to travel to different places, earn scholarships and rewards that has helped her family and developed her self-esteem.

Her inspiration? Both the people who supported her and “even those who did not”. Moreover, Diaz wishes to uplift those who are on the verge of giving up. “Keep on trying despite the odds and praying at the same time. If Ate Hidilyn did it, with God and fellow Filipino’s help, we can do it together!” she says in the vernacular.

Once the pandemic finally comes to an end, Diaz says that she will continue to celebrate by visiting the church. “There’s nothing like receiving the sacraments in person,” she shares. “I can never thank the Lord enough for all the blessings He has given me and our country—despite everything.”

Read more: 9 World-Famous Filipino Athletes: Margielyn Didal, Hidilyn Diaz, And More

2. Nesthy Petecio

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TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 03: Women's Feather (52-57kg) silver medalist Nesthy Petecio of Team Philippines poses with her medal during the Victory Ceremony on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kokugikan Arena on August 03, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Above TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 03: Women's Feather (52-57kg) silver medalist Nesthy Petecio of Team Philippines poses with her medal during the Victory Ceremony on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kokugikan Arena on August 03, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

This boxer developed a passion for the sport as early as seven years old. Despite the limitations in the realm of boxing, Nesthy Petecio’s fighting spirit never faltered, leading her to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The world champion’s hard-fought silver medal even came with another ground-breaking title: ‘First Filipina Olympic Boxing Medallist’. She humbly shares her victory with her family, her late best friend and the LGBTQIA+ community.

3. Eumir Marcial

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TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Eumir Marcial of Team Philippines poses for a photo with his bronze medal during the medal ceremony for the Men's Middle (69-75kg) on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kokugikan Arena on August 07, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Luis Robayo - Pool/Getty Images)
Above TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Eumir Marcial of Team Philippines poses for a photo with his bronze medal during the medal ceremony for the Men's Middle (69-75kg) on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kokugikan Arena on August 07, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Luis Robayo - Pool/Getty Images)

It takes more than physical strength to brave through the Olympics. For boxer Eumir Marcial, being away from family while having to fight for a medal is never easy. On top of the pressures of being a silver medallist at the 2019 SEA Games, Marcial serves in the Philippine Air Force. Fortunately, the middleweight boxer has kept his faith and have shown strength in times of weakness, eventually earning him the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

4. Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski

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PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - NOVEMBER 01: Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski speaks to delegates at the ANOC Executive Council Meeting during the XXII ANOC General Assembly on November 1, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images for ANOC)
Above PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - NOVEMBER 01: Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski speaks to delegates at the ANOC Executive Council Meeting during the XXII ANOC General Assembly on November 1, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images for ANOC)

Former Olympian, equestrienne and celebrity Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski has been elected last year to the executive board of the International Olympic Committee, which supervises the Olympic Games. This makes her the first Asian woman to hold such a seat on the world’s most prestigious corporation in the field of sports. At the recent Tokyo Olympics, CojuangcoJaworski took a photo of her holding the Philippine flag while at her seat during the opening ceremonies. She hoped that in the small gesture, the Filipino athletes would have found comfort and support in lieu of onsite audiences. She was also assigned to award the medals for the Women’s 55kg Weightlifting competition where, coincidentally, the Philippines emerged victorious, thanks to Hidilyn Diaz who bagged the gold.

Read more: In Conversation with Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski on Hidilyn Diaz, the Olympics, and the Power of Women

5. EJ Obiena

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Ernest John Obiena from the Philippines, celebrates after winning in the men's pole vault athletics event at the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) in the athletics stadium in Clark City, Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila on December 7, 2019. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Above Ernest John Obiena from the Philippines, celebrates after winning in the men's pole vault athletics event at the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) in the athletics stadium in Clark City, Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila on December 7, 2019. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)

He made quite a comeback after suffering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his take-off leg during the 2017 SEA Games. However, the pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena was not ready to walk away from his dream of becoming an Olympic athlete, which he achieved. Failing, however, to earn a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Obiena still made history by setting a new Asian pole vault record at 5.92m and ranking as the world’s 5th best pole vaulter.

6. Alex Eala

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Above Photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

As the first Filipina to earn a title at Roland Garros, 16-year-old tennis player made history with her partner Oksana Selekhmeteva by winning the 2021 French Open girls doubles championship. “My rays of hope have been my team and my family who have never failed to push me to my limits,” says the trailblazer.

More from Tatler: Filipina Alex Eala Wins 2021 Girls French Open: 5 Facts About The Tennis Player

7. Yuka Saso

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: Yuka Saso of the Philippines celebrates with the Harton S. Semple Trophy after winning the 76th U.S. Women's Open Championship at The Olympic Club on June 06, 2021 in San Francisco, California. Saso won following a three-hole playoff against Nasa Hataoka of Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Above SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: Yuka Saso of the Philippines celebrates with the Harton S. Semple Trophy after winning the 76th U.S. Women's Open Championship at The Olympic Club on June 06, 2021 in San Francisco, California. Saso won following a three-hole playoff against Nasa Hataoka of Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

She made history by becoming the first Filipino to ever win a major golf tournament like the 76th US Women’s Open championship. At 19, Saso has made her presence felt in the world of golf. During these tumultuous past two years, she has definitely lifted our spirits, all while staying humble. “I am so thankful for everything. What I was always hoping for is that my family stays healthy,” shares the young champion.

Read also: 9 Things You May Not Know About Yuka Saso, The 2021 US Open Winner

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This story was originally published on Tatler Philippines' November 2021 issue. Download it on Magzter for free.

Credits

Words  

Christine Andas, Isabel Martel Francisco, Franz Sorilla IV