Historic Filipina athletes you should know before the 2024 Olympics

Sulaiman represented the Philippines twice in the Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals of the 100-metre sprint in 1960 and competing in multiple events in the 1964 Olympics. She also made history as the first Filipino athlete to secure three gold medals in a single Asian Games, with her wins in the 100-metre sprint, 200-metre sprint, and the 4 x 100-metre relay. 

Her contributions extended beyond competition as she later became a consultant for the national athletics team. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Sulaiman was inducted into the Philippine Sports Commission’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

Josephine De La Viña set the Philippines’ best record with a throw of 54.71 metres at the 1971 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She represented the Philippines in three Olympic Games, notably as the only Asian competitor in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. As a historic Filipina athlete, she won gold medals both in the Asian Games and the Asian Athletic Championships. Her achievements include becoming the discus champion at the 1966 Asian Games and repeating her success at the 1973 Asian Athletic Championships. 

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Filipina bowler Bong Coo is known for having the highest number of Asian Games gold medals among Filipino athletes. She won three gold medals at the 1978 Asian Games and is a four-time world champion bowler. In 1986, she was named World Bowler of the Year. Coo has amassed 78 medals in regional and world competitions throughout her career, a historic Filipina athlete indeed!

Beyond her athletic achievements, she has been the president of the Philippine Bowling Commission since 2021 and a commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission since 2022.

Lydia De Vega-Mercado was recruited for the Far Eastern University track team and broke the Asian record for the women’s 200 metres at just 16 years old. She won a gold medal at the 1981 SEA Games and two more gold medals at the 100-metre event at the Asian Games in 1982 and 1986. After her competitive career, she coached young athletes in Singapore. She was inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

In 1985, 21-year-old Joan Chan-Tabanag joined the 1985 SEA Games, winning in the individual recurve, individual recurve 50 metres, and individual recurve 60 metres events. At the 1987 SEA Games, Chan-Tabanag showcased her versatility by winning gold, silver, and bronze medals. Later, she contributed to the sport by coaching and training young athletes at the Manila Polo Club. In 2011, Chan-Tabanag continued her success by earning a gold medal in the archery team event at the 2nd Asian Archery Grand Prix.

Thelma Barina-Rojas first played volleyball in Cebu for the Southwestern University and University of Southern Philippines volleyball teams. She was essential to the national team’s success as an open spiker from 1981 to 1993. She helped them win gold medals at the SEA Games in 1981, 1985, 1987, and 1993. Barina-Rojas was recognised as the Best Open Spiker and Most Valuable Player at the 1987 Jakarta SEA Games and earned the title of Best Receiver at the 1991 SEA Games.

Bea Lucero-Lhuillier won gold medals in the individual and balance beam events at the 1987 Jakarta SEA Games and three silver medals for floor exercise, vault, and team events. 

After facing issues with the gymnastics federation, Lucero-Lhuillier switched to taekwondo, earning her black belt in just ten months and winning a gold medal in the said sport at the 1991 SEA Games. She became the first athlete in SEA Games history to win gold medals in two different sports. Lucero-Lhuillier also competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the featherweight division after reaching the semi-finals.

Elma Muros-Posadas won eight gold medals in the SEA Games and a bronze medal in the long jump at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima. She also secured two silver and two bronze medals in the Asian Athletic Championships. At the 1995 SEA Games, Muros-Posadas earned gold medals in both the 100-metre and 200-metre events. At just 15, she tied with Myanmar athlete Jennifer Tin Lay for the most number of gold medals in the SEA Games. She represented the Philippines in the 1984 and 1996 Olympics, showcasing her talent on the international stage.

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