Untapped potential

FLOYD Mayweather Jr. may have won and maintained his unblemished record, but many questioned his underwhelming victory over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, May 2.
And despite his loss, many Filipinos are still celebrating Pacquiao’s recent performance against the undefeated American fighter in the overhyped “Fight of the Century.” Pacquiao’s kababayans are now waiting for his return, readying their banners and cheers for a hero’s welcome.
Pacquiao’s stature as an elite fighter is already embedded in sports history. He is among a few Filipino athletes who have managed to be successful in the world stage. His rise to the top is an inspiration not just for his kababayans, but for athletes who want to make a name for themselves in their chosen sports.
For the next Filipino champion, the ultimate test would be winning an Olympic gold medal. The quadrennial meet gathers the best athletes in the world. The next Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next year.
It has been almost two decades since the Philippines celebrated a podium finish in the Olympic Games when Onyok Velasco won a silver medal in boxing. Filipino athletes failed to bring home a medal in the succeeding games.
Looking at its recent international outings, the country’s talent pool may be gearing towards another lackluster campaign, and an Olympic gold remains elusive.
There have been many notable Filipino athletes who have posted promising successes in different sports. Unfortunately, most of them have to utilize their limited personal resources and minimal government support. Some are even relegated to fund their own Olympic dreams.
The country may only be able to find its next champions through aggressive development of athletes in the grassroots level. This can only be done through the cooperation of the national government and sports associations.
Concerned agencies must address the lack of a training ground for Filipino athletes, which can eventually allow them join the national team and represent the country in international events such as Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympic Games.
Currently, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the national body that oversees sports, has been under fire for allegedly misusing the P626.5 million from the national budget for government athletic facilities in 2013. The PSC was also blamed for the country’s recent uninspired performances in regional and international competitions.
This is maybe why there are many undiscovered world-class Filipino athletes who are forced to fund their own dreams, or worse, give up on them.
With less than a year to prepare, it is crucial for all those involved in sports—from the government, to sports associations, to national directors, coaches and athletes—to address kinks in the system and commit on the country’s 2016 Olympic campaign.
The Philippines has yet to win its first Olympic gold medal. Seeing a Filipino athlete standing on the highest podium while the country’s flag is being raised should be worth all these trouble. Let us hope that this generation can do it within our lifetime. (AJPress)