The Philippines concluded its 2024 Paris Olympics campaign on a high note after achieving its best performance to date.
On our centennial participation in the Olympic Games, we finished with two gold medals courtesy of gymnast Carlos Yulo, two bronze medals from boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, and many of our athletes achieving their personal best records at the global quadrennial meet.
If we are to look at this performance, and the previous in Tokyo — where we won our first Olympic gold medal courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, two silver from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and a bronze from boxer Eumir Marcial — then the future looks really bright for us in the succeeding Olympics.
A deeper look at the issues, however, some were even aired by the athletes themselves, could prove challenging instead of inspiring for future Olympians. We need to further our support for sports and our athletes if our goal is to continuously improve at the global stage.
In fact, it is time that we nurture the various talents of Filipinos, not only in sports, but also in the arts where many Filipinos can also excel.
Nurturing starts by encouraging the discovery of talent and providing a conducive environment to reach one’s full potential. There also needs to be a change in mindset, specifically the thinking that sports and the arts are extracurricular activities, hobbies, or pastime. We need to see them as fruitful careers.
American psychologist Howard Gardner developed the multiple intelligences theory, which asserts that each individual has different learning areas, mainly categorized into nine intelligence areas: musical–rhythmic, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, bodily–kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential intelligence.
Those whose strength is bodily-kinesthetic are great at coordinating their mind with their body. These are the individuals who are good and can easily excel at sports and performing arts. For example, Yulo says he finds joy in gymnastics. He looks forward to trainings and practices, and has learned to cultivate a positive mindset. He has found his passion because there were people who encouraged him to nurture his bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
If only we can nurture each individual’s passion instead of forcing them to always choose “mainstream” careers, many Filipinos can live more productive, inspired, and fulfilling lives.
It is high time that we provide the needed support for sports and the arts, not only in terms of encouragement but also in tangible support, particularly in expanding infrastructure.
While Yulo’s career soared into greater heights when his talent was honed while training in Japan where facilities are world-class, the Rizal Memorial Stadium will remain as the platform where everything started for the very young gymnast.
Diaz, whose interest in weightlifting was encouraged by her relatives, knows the challenges that athletes face due to the lack of training facilities and other crucial support. Which is why the Olympic champion has now built her own weightlifting gym to train a new breed of champions. Many other Filipino athletes have used their success to inspire young and aspiring athletes by building their own sports facilities or create training programs.
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