Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas have secured berths in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics after their remarkable performances in the 1st Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Petecio advanced to the women’s 57kg finals, defeating Esra Yildiz of Turkey, while Villegas reached the 50kg semifinals with a dominant win over Zlatislava Chukanova of Bulgaria.
Their qualification marks them as the fifth and sixth Philippine athletes to make it to the Summer Games, joining fellow boxers Eumir Marcial, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.
Petecio, eager for redemption after her silver medal finish in Tokyo, will face Julia Szeremeta of Poland in the gold medal match, while Villegas remains poised for further success. With their Paris Olympic tickets punched, both athletes now have their sights set on podium finishes.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 13, 2024
