Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio on Monday credited the country's former Olympians for fueling her athletic dreams.
Petecio was one of two recipients of the President's Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association during the group's annual awards night, together with fellow boxer Aira Villegas. The two pugilists brought home bronze medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In her speech, Petecio saluted her supporters and coaches, as well as two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who was named the 2024 PSA Athlete of the Year.
"Caloy, super proud ako sa two golds mo. Pangarap ko din 'yan and alam ko makukuha ko 'yan someday," she said.
Also feted during the awards night at the Manila Hotel were the country's Olympians from 1964 to 2024, represented by former Senator and basketball icon Freddie Webb.
"Sa mga veteran po pala, mga Olympian, habang tinitingnan ko po kayo dito kanina, sabi ko sa sarili ko, ito ang mga taong naghubog sa pangarap kong maging Olympian," said Petecio.
Petecio is the only boxer from the Philippines with two Olympic medals, having won silver in her Summer Games debut in Tokyo 2020.
READ: Carlos Yulo, other Filipino sports royalty celebrated in 2024 PSA Awards Night