Emerging from the diverse communities and fast-paced streets of Metro Manila, the spotlight shines brightly to the rising stars of the National Capital Region (NCR) ahead of the on-going 2024 Olympics. These Filipino athletes are set to conquer the stadium through their talents – embodying Olympic aspirations from the city to the nation.
Meet the NCR athletes
In the heart of Metro Manila, echoes the beating of a passionate heart to push his limits in achieving his Olympic dreams. For some, the journey will stop once you lose on your first try but for EJ Obiena, his second Olympics will light his dream to conquer the world arena.
Photo courtesy: EJ Obiena Instagram
EJ Obiena is a national delegate for athletics – pole vault. He started pursuing his career in the slums of Tondo, Manila. Obiena broke records for a historic 6-meter clearance that qualified the athlete for Paris Olympics 2024. The pride of Tondo, Manila is one of the biggest medal hopes for this year’s Olympics.
Photo courtesy: Carlos Yulo Instagram
On the other side of Manila, lived a 24 year old golden boy of Philippine gymnastics and a two-time world champion. Carlos Yulo, the pride of Malate, won numerous gold medals from SEA games to the world cup. Yulo made clear that he is not going after any colors of medal, he is determined to bring home the gold.
Photo courtesy: Bianca Pagdanganan Instagram
In the city of stars, Bianca Pagdanganan aced both Asian and SEA games striking gold for women’s golf to bring the country’s pride. Pagdanganan from Quezon City is participating in the Olympics for the second time, targeting better performance in the golf competition.
Photo courtesy: Samantha Catantan Instagram
Aside from Pagdanganan, another star shines brightly from Quezon City, writing history as she is the first Filipina fencer to compete and will end the long drought of Philippine fencing for her entry in Paris Olympics 2024. Samantha Catantan, a 22 year old fencer, is the first fencer to compete in Olympics since the fight of Walter Torres from 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
The road ahead
These NCR athletes have become symbols of not just regional pride but also national pride. Their tales strike a chord with Filipinos all around the nation, encouraging a new generation to follow their own aspirations.
Their next games in the 2024 Paris Olympics will honor the resiliency and passion of the NCR in addition to serving as a display of sports excellence. These incredible athletes’ journey from the streets of Metro Manila to the Olympic stage is a proof to their perseverance and hard work. (AVS / PIA-NCR)
