PH Emerges as Best-Performing Southeast Asian Nation at Paris Olympics 2024

The Philippines is riding high on the wave of its most successful Olympic campaign ever, finishing the Paris 2024 Games with two gold and two bronze medals. This marks the country’s best performance in its 100-year history of participation in the Olympics, and the best showing among Southeast Asian nations. The remarkable achievement has sparked nationwide celebrations, culminating in a grand parade and a special ceremony hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace.

The Philippines emerged as the top-performing Southeast Asian nation at the Paris Olympics, finishing 37th overall. The country clinched two gold medals, both courtesy of Carlos Yulo in the men’s floor exercise and vault, and two bronze medals won by boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. This accomplishment not only highlights the Philippines’ growing prowess in international sports but also solidifies its dominance in the region, having also topped the Southeast Asian medal tally in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

This 2024, Indonesia followed closely behind, ranking 39th with two gold medals—one in gymnastics and the other in boxing—along with a bronze in athletics. Thailand, with six medals, including one gold from taekwondo star Panipak Wongpattanakit, placed 44th. Malaysia and Singapore, meanwhile, finished 80th and 84th, respectively, each securing bronze medals in badminton and sailing.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded the delegation’s efforts. He was quoted as saying in an August 13 report published by GMANetwork: “We’re the best performer in Southeast Asia and No. 7 in Asia. We’ve gone quality in Paris—in gymnastics, a blue-chip sport. And looking at the SEA Games countries, we outperformed our closest neighbors.”

While the spotlight was on the medalists, other Filipino athletes also put up commendable performances in Paris. Pole vaulter EJ Obiena came heartbreakingly close to the podium, finishing 4th in the finals. In athletics, Lauren Hoffman finished 7th in the women’s 400m hurdles prelims. Filipino hurdler John Cabang Tolentino faced challenges pulled out from the men’s 110m hurdles repechage due to hip injury.

In gymnastics, Levi Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan, and Emma Malabuyo fell short of advancing beyond the preliminary round. Meanwhile, boxers Eumir Marcial and Hergie Bacyadan were eliminated in the Round of 16, and Carlo Paalam reached the quarterfinals. Fencer Sam Catantan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, and rower Joanie Delgaco also made their Olympic debuts but exited early.

Golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina delivered strong performances, finishing 4th place and 13th place, respectively. Weightlifters John Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno faced difficulties, with both failing to finish, while Elreen Ando secured a respectable 6th place.

To honor the athletes’ achievements, Malacañang has announced that all Filipino Olympians will receive cash prizes and awards directly from President Marcos.

Presidential Protocol Chief Reichel Quiñones revealed that the athletes would arrive in Manila on Tuesday, August 13, where they will be welcomed by their families before heading to Malacañang Palace for a ceremonial dinner and awarding ceremony. In addition to the cash incentives provided by law, President Marcos will also announce additional rewards during the event. Two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo is set to receive the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit.

Following the ceremony, a grand parade is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, starting from Aliw Theater in Pasay City and culminating at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. The event will allow Filipinos to celebrate their Olympic heroes and recognize the hard work and dedication that led to this historic success.

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