10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics

10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics

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As the Paris 2024 Olympics approaches, the Philippines gears up to showcase its diverse talent across major sports with these olympians

Representation matters, and it matters even more when you’re representing the Philippines. From hurdling to golfing, swimming to gymnastics, these athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics are making personal strides and chasing gold, showing the world the fiery passion that burns within every Filipino athlete. They carry the dreams of a nation hungry for global glory.

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Lauren Hoffman – Track and Field

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Lauren Hoffman

Lauren Hoffman is a hurdler specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. She holds the national record in the women’s 100m hurdles and secured her spot in the Paris Olympics based on world rankings in the women’s 400m hurdles.

Bianca Pagdanganan – Golf

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Bianca Pagdanganan - Golf

Bianca Pagdanganan is a skilled professional golfer with numerous accolades to her name. Continuously ranked among the top female golfers globally, she brings a strong presence to the golf course and will represent the Philippines in Paris 2024, highlighting her promising future in the sport.

Jarod Hatch – Swimming

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Jarod Hatch - Swimming

Jarod Hatch will compete in the men’s 100 butterfly, aiming for a strong performance and eyeing significant achievements at the Paris Olympics.

Kayla Sanchez – Swimming

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Kayla Sanchez - Swimming

Formerly part of the Canadian national team, Kayla Sanchez now represents the Philippines. A two-time Olympic medalist, she will compete in the women’s 100m freestyle, showcasing her speed and skill in the pool.

Hergie Bacyadan – Boxing

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Hergie Bacyadan - Boxing

The fifth Filipino boxer set to compete in the upcoming games, Hergie Bacyadan identifies himself as a transgender man. Not having gone through hormone replacement therapy, he will compete in the women’s division. He is the first Vovinam World Championships gold medalist for the Philippines.

Samantha Catantan – Fencing

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Samantha Catantan - Fencing

Samantha Catantan revives Filipino representation in fencing after 32 years. Her skill with the foil brings renewed hope for fencing glory at the Olympics.

Emma Malabuyo – Gymnastics

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Emma Malabuyo - Gymnastics

Filipino-American gymnast Emma Malabuyo earned her spot in Paris 2024 by excelling at the Asian Gymnastics Championships. Her grace and precision on the gymnastics floor promise an exciting performance.

Carlos Yulo – Gymnastics

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics Carlos Yulo - Gymnastics

Carlos Yulo has achieved notable success in his career. He made history as the first Filipino gymnast to win a gold medal in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2019, where he triumphed in the floor exercise event. In October last year, he secured a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics by being the highest-ranked eligible athlete in an apparatus at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Antwerp, Belgium.

John Ceniza – Weightlifting

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics John Ceniza - Weightlifting

Since the qualifying event in Bogota, John Ceniza has made a significant impact in weightlifting, as he is currently ranked fifth in the world following his impressive performance. As one of the top athletes in his category, Ceniza is expected to demonstrate his strength and determination at the upcoming competitions, asserting his place among the world’s elite weightlifters.

EJ Obiena – Athletics (Pole Vault)

The 10 Promising Filipino Athletes to Look Out For in the Paris 2024 Olympics EJ Obiena - Athletics (Pole Vault)

Throughout his career, EJ Obiena has consistently improved his personal bests and rankings, cementing his status as one of the top pole vaulters in Asia and the most promising contender in international competitions.

These Filipino Olympians represent skill, determination, and diversity, strengthening the fire of sportsmanship and national pride as they compete on the world’s biggest stage of sports in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Representation cannot burn bright enough with these torchbearers, and with great honor, they will pass the torch of inspiration to a new generation.


Photos: LAUREN HOFFMAN, BIANCA PAGDANGANAN, JAROD HATCH, KAYLA SANCHEZ, HERGIE BACYADAN, SAMANTHA CATANTAN, EMMA MALABUYO, CARLOS YULO, JOHN CENIZA, and EJ OBIENA (via Instagram)

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