MILAN, Italy — This early, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino has guaranteed the country’s continued participation at the Winter Olympics.
“It’s a continuing process and we at the POC will not stop,” said Tolentino from Manila, over the phone, as the 25th staging of the Winter Olympics entered its closing days.
As of Thursday, 89 of the 116 medals staked in 16 sports and among 92 nations have been contested heading to Sunday’s closing ceremony in the historic town of Verona.
Tolentino, fully in charge of the Philippine representation here, hailed the two athletes that represented the Philippines — alpine skiers Francis Ceccarelli and Tallulah Proulx.
“It’s very difficult to qualify to the Winter Olympics because it’s not just one qualifying (event) but rankings,” said Tolentino, also the cycling and chess chief back home.
“You need to earn the points and how do you do that? You compete and compete and compete,” he added.
Proulx, who is based in Utah, and Ceccarelli, who lives in Tuscany, worked very hard to get here and give their best in their Winter Olympics debut.
They competed in the giant slalom and slalom events of alpine skiing, and booked decent finishes when a lot of skiers, even from the host country, crashed out of the competition.
Proulx is only 17, and Ceccarelli, 22.
“Tallulah is only 17 and the gold winner in her first event is 35. She will still improve. It’s the same with Francis,” Tolentino said.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio said the agency will continue to work hand in hand with the POC to guarantee continuity.
“We want to see our flag at the Winter Olympics,” said Gregorio, adding that representation is very important in an event where athletes from around the globe are eager to qualify.
“And here is our country qualifying athletes and being represented,” said Gregorio. “We have four years to make this ‘Wow’ in 2030 (Winter Olympics in France).”