First time in Tacloban’s history.
Carving her name in history, a female Taclobanon secured bronze in the Olympic boxing competition.
Aira Villegas, a 29-year-old athlete from Tacloban City, won third place in the women's 50kg boxing division at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, August 7.
Villegas faced off against Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Turkey in the North Paris Arena where Cakiroglu dominated the first round according to all five judges.
The Filipina found it difficult to get close but only narrowly lost the opening round, with much still to play for.
Out of nowhere, Villegas stunned her opponent with a knockdown in the second round, giving her much-needed confidence as she landed some strong punches.
A Cooking Show?
“The round 2 for Aira Villegas, clearly there was a knockdown but the referee didn't call it. It should be 10-8 in favor for Aira Villegas. The 3rd man in the ring is not a referee but a chef (cooking),” a netizen, Benjie Pilapil commented.
Despite putting up a valiant effort, Villegas ultimately lost the match by a narrow margin.
It was a unanimous decision of the 5 judges in favor of Cakiroglu.
“Hindi naman po ako sobrang disappointed kasi ginawa ko ang best ko. Sa lahat po ng mga Filipinong napuyat, I’m sorry. Nakapag-uwi po ako ng medalya, sana proud pa rin kayo sa akin. Sa lahat po ng Taclobanon, sobrang thank you po sa support sakin and to my journey. Sana sa susunod na laban ay patuloy nyo po akong suportahan” Villegas said.
Journey To The Olympic
Villegas' journey to the Olympics was not an easy one. She started learning boxing at the age of nine. She faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, but she never gave up on her dream.
The young boxer trained hard for years at the province’s prestigious Leyte Sports Academy, sacrificing time with her family and friends to pursue her passion for boxing.
"A proud product of the Leyte Sports Academy (LSA), Aira won the Gold Medal at the Smart PLDT ABAP 2012 National Competition. She also won the Gold Medal at the Philippine National Games 2014 and was immediately recruited by Coach Violeta Payla, our then coach/consultant, to be part of the Philippine Women's Boxing Team," Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla.
Villegas' success at the Olympics has inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.
Her achievement also highlights the importance of sports in promoting national pride and unity.
Medal Of Excellence
In addition to her medal, Villegas will also receive a cash prize of P3-million from the Philippine government and the House of Representatives via the Republic Act 10699 also known as the Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act.
In a press briefing after filing the resolutions, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, said the Filipino athletes are expected to be awarded with the Senate's highest honor.
"What will happen is Senate Medals of Excellence will be awarded to the winners Caloy Yulo, also the other medalists Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, and, hopefully, EJ Obiena," Tolentino said.
The Senate Medal of Excellence can be conferred to outstanding Filipinos as recognition of their exemplary service, outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to nation-building.
A Hero's Welcome
Villegas' victory is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride, not only for the Taclobanons but for the entire Philippines as well.
Her success has brought attention to the country's growing sports industry and has inspired more Filipinos to take up boxing and other sports.As Villegas returns home to Tacloban, she will be greeted with a hero's welcome.
Her hometown is sure to celebrate her achievements and honor her for representing the Philippines on the world stage.
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