Nesthy Petecio

Nesthy Petecio, the daughter of subsistence farmers, first learned boxing as a means of self-defence. By age 11, she was competing in inter-village matches, winning free meals for her family. Her remarkable skill drew attention early on when, as a young girl, she boxed against an older male opponent, leaving spectators in awe. Today, Petecio stands as a national athlete who has earned two Olympic medals for the Philippines.

After a challenging period of missing the 2016 Rio Olympics and battling depression, Petecio made a triumphant comeback, securing a silver medal in the featherweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Filipina to win an Olympic boxing medal. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, she continued to bring pride to the country, earning a bronze in the flyweight event.

Petecio has represented the Philippines in numerous other competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games, AIBA Women’s World Championships, Asian Games, Thailand Open, and Indonesia President’s Cup, further showcasing her boxing prowess. Through her achievements, she has lifted her family out of poverty and remains a source of encouragement for those with similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams.

Her journey inspires female boxers and the LGBTQIA+ community, proving that with hard work, patience, and dedication, one can overcome any challenge to achieve their goals.