Filipino athletes have taken the center stage these days, whether in the news or on social media, thanks to the Olympics. With our very own weightlifting fairy Hidilyn Diaz bagging the country’s first Olympic gold medal, Filipinos have given much attention not only to her, but to the rest of our Olympic athletes.
It’s about damn time, if you ask us. Outside of basketball and, perhaps, even volleyball, not many of our local athletes get a lot of exposure and support from the government and even their fellow Filipinos.
Now that the spotlight is on our athletes (and deservingly so), here’s a list of young Filipino athletes we all should be on the lookout for!
Christian Tio
Christian Tio is a Norwegian-Filipino kiteboarder who is best known for winning the Philippines’ first ever medal in the Summer Youth Olympics. He won a silver medal in the competition.
According to an article by Esquire, Christian has his eyes set on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Jhanlo Sangiao
Jhanlo Sangiao may be the son of mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Mark Sangiao, he is more than ready to carve a name for himself in the world of MMA.
Only 18 years old, Jhanlo signed with ONE Championship last June, according to a report by Rappler.
Julian Macaraeg
You don’t really expect to have many Filipino athletes competing in winter sports because, well, there’s no snow in this country. Filipino-American Julian Macaraeg is one of those who actually do so.
The 18-year-old speed skater competed in the 2021 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships, representing the Philippines.
Sam Catantan
19-year-old fencer Sam Catantan is currently preparing for the 2021 Southeast Asian Games that has been postponed to next year because of COVID-19. Her last match at the North American Cup earned her a silver medal.
━━ Art By Metroscene Mag
