Manila, Philippines, May 5, 2024: The Philippine Olympic Committee is celebrating a centenary of participation in the Olympic Games as they look ahead to Paris 2024 – and back to their Olympic Games debut at Paris in 1924.
In a social media post, the POC is marking 100 years of Philippine athletes at the Olympics and celebrating a century of "Philippine Olympic spirit".
“Today, as we commemorate our 100th year in the Summer Olympic Games, we honor our roots as one of Asia’s pioneers and Southeast Asia’s first Olympians,” the POC said.
“This milestone, coinciding with the 2024 Olympics and the 1924 Olympiad centennial in Paris, reflects our enduring legacy in sports and national pride.
“Let’s remember the trailblazers like David Nepomuceno and Coach Regino Ylanan, whose dedication and achievements inspire us to strive for excellence.”
Nepomuceno was a world-class sprinter and the Philippines’ only representative at Paris 1924, taking part in the men’s 100m and 200m.
Regino Ylanan was a Filipino athlete, physician, sports administrator, physical educator and sports historian. He rose to fame with three gold medals in track and field at the 1913 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila – the meet which laid the foundations for the modern-day Asian Games.
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino commented: “This year marks a historic milestone - our centennial anniversary of competing in the Summer Olympics. We're incredibly proud to be among Asia's first and Southeast Asia's trailblazing Olympians.
“Let's use this ‘Philippine Olympics 100 Years’ as a springboard for future success. We are ‘Proudly Pinoy’ with a strong Olympic Legacy. Let's continue the journey together towards POC in Paris!”
The POC has so far qualified 12 athletes for Paris 2024 – three each in gymnastics, boxing and weightlifting, and one in athletics, fencing and rowing.