By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS — Excellent.
That’s the grade Philippine Olympic Committee Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino got three days before the supreme battle for athleticism in the 2024 Paris Olympics comes to an end here.
With no less than Tolentino’s predecessor, PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas, giving that performance report, it was absolutely a huge compliment.
“Ang galing mo. Excellent,” Vargas told Tolentino just moments after boxer Nesthy Petecio absorbed a controversial defeat in the semis of the women’s 57kg class at the Roland Garros Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
“Hands on ka sa lahat,” added Vargas, who is also the chairman of the country’s boxing association.
To that, Tolentino just smiled sweetly and victoriously despite the pain he’s carrying following Petecio’s defeat.
The rare double-gold showing by gymnast Carlos Yulo and a bronze medal each by Petecio and rookie Aira Villegas were enough to convince Vargas that it was a “well done” job on the part of Tolentino.
It bettered the 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medals shown by the Philippines in the Tokyo Games.
Many eyebrows were raised when Tolentino boldly predicted that the country would surpass its showing in the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games.
Tolentino’s prayer was answered, and he was vindicated.
