The 30th SEA Games is about to start in a few days, with our very own athletes raring to go into action. And you are probably also excited to support them. Here is a quick look at some of the Pinoy athletes that will showcase their talents in the upcoming games.
Individual Pinoy Athletes
The Philippine has assembled an impressive selection of athletes for the various SEA Games events. The team is composed of both veteran athletes and newcomers. You can also expect to watch some of the athletes that have made waves in the international sporting scene in the last few months.
Carlos Yulo (Gymnastics)
19-year old Carlos Edriel Yulo became the talk of the town in October after becoming the first Filipino to win gold at the World Artistic Gymnastics Competition. The win also secured him a seat at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. But before he gets to see action in the Olympics, Yulo will compete in seven gymnastics events for the SEA Games. He also has the honor of being the official torchbearer for the Games’ opening on November 30.
Nesthy Petecio (Boxing)
Nesthy Petecio is another Pinoy athlete that made waves in the international scene recently. The 27-year old boxer followed Yulo to become the second Pinoy Olympic qualifier within just 24 hours. She made the feat after winning gold in the featherweight division at the Aiba Women’s Boxing Championship in Russia. Petecio is set to compete in the same division for the SEA Games, where she already won three silver medals.
Ernest John Obiena (Athletics)
24-year old Ernest John Obiena is the first Pinoy athletes to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. He snagged the position in September after clearing the required height of 5.80 meters in a pole vault tournament in Chiara, Italy. Obiena’s 5.81 meters also surpassed his previous personal best of 5.78 meters. He first competed in the 2015 SEA Games, where he won a silver medal.
Eumir Marcial (Boxing)
Two-time SEA Games gold medalist Eumir Marcial heads the Philippine boxing team. He snagged his two golds during the Games’ 2015 and 2017 editions. Marcial also had an impressive showing at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Russia. Here, he finished second in the Middleweight category. Marcial will be joined in the team by other top-notch boxers like James Palicte (light-middleweight), Roger Ladon (flyweight), and Petecio.
Hidilyn Diaz (Weightlifting)
28-year old weightlifter Hiidelyn Diaz first broke into public consciousness after winning the silver medal in the women’s 53-kg category of the Rio Olympics. Diaz became only the second Filipino to win an Olympic medal following boxer Mansueto Velasco’s silver finish in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Diaz has also amassed medals in the SEA Games, winning two silvers (2011 and 2013) and a bronze (2007). Additionally, the 28-year old won the bronze medal in the 55-kilogram category of the 2019 International Weightlifting Association World Championships. Diaz will serve as the country’s flag bearer in the Games’ opening ceremonies. along with five other renowned Pinoy athletes.
Rubilen Amit (Billiards)
38-year old cue artist Rubilen Amit is one of the longtime participants of the SEA Games, making eight appearances. Of these, she already won an impressive four gold medals and three silver. She also has won two World Championships in Ten Ball and was a runner up in the Nine Ball Championships in 2007. She is currently ranked no. 3 in the World Pool-Billiards Association rankings.
SEA Games team sports
The Philippines is also not to be left behind in the team sports category. Many of our bets for the different events have been making the rounds of international tournaments as part of their training. They have amassed some great wins, which are a good indication of their readiness to compete.
Philippine Dragon Boat Team
The Philippine Dragon Boat Team had a stellar performance at international tournaments in the last few months. Most recently, the local rowers snatched five golds in the International Canoe Federation World Championships held in Singapore. This was followed by a 2-gold finish at the Beijing International Dragon Boat Tournament. Philippine Canoe, Kayak, and Dragon Boat President Jonne Go said in an interview that they are eyeing to win five golds in the SEA Games.
Philippine Azkals
The Philippine Azkals remain as one of the major football contenders in the Southeast Asian region. To bolster the campaign of its under-22 squad, the team fielded Stephen Schrock as captain. Schrock is one of the two over-22 players permitted by the Games to play for each team. He has a significant amount of experience in the European football circuit before playing for the country.
Cheer For These Pinoy athletes in the SEA Games
The above Pinoy athletes and their colleagues in the national team are now ready to show the fruits of their training in the SEA Games. So, you also should be ready to cheer for and support them. Check out our viewing guide to find out how you can join them in their efforts.