Marcos to Pinoy Olympians: Pinapasikat niyo ang Pilipinas sa buong mundo

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday lauded Filipino athletes who joined in the 2024 Paris Olympics, saying that they have made the Philippines popular in the global arena.

In his speech during the awarding ceremony, Marcos said their performances and success meant a lot to every Filipino who cheered for them during their competitions. 

''Pinapasikat ninyo ang Pilipinas sa buong mundo. Alam ko na iniisip ninyo na --- ikaw gymnastics, boxing. ‘Di ba sa pole vault --- ‘yan ‘yung iniisip lang ninyo ‘yung event ninyo. Pero ‘yung performance Ninyo, may malaking kahulugan ‘yan, it means a lot. May malaking kahulugan ‘yan para sa amin dito na nanunood sa inyo, na sumisigaw at nagsusuporta sa inyo,'' Marcos said. 

Marcos also recalled his sleepless nights watching the games of the Filipino athletes during the Olympics.

''At saka isa lang ang irereklamo ko sa inyong lahat at napuyat ako ng ilang --- dalawang linggo akong puyat para manood ng sari-saring mga event. But ‘yung puyat ko worth it na worth it dahil talagang napakagandang panuorin kayo at makita kayo,'' Marcos said. 

Carlos Yulo delivered two gold medals for the nation, reigning supreme in his pet event floor exercise and vault, while two boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas plucked bronze medals as the country tallied its best Olympic finish in its 100-year history.

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena and golfer Bianca Pagdanganan both finished just outside of the podium after winding fourth in their respective events.

Boxers Eumir Marcial, Hergie Bacyadan, and Carlo Paalam likewise put up a gallant stand while gymnasts Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar, first Pinay Olympic rower Joanie Delgaco, and fencer Sam Catantan impressed in their Olympics debuts.

Completing the delegation are John Ceniza, Lauren Hoffman, Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno, John Cabang Tolentino, Jarod Hatch, Kayla Sanchez, Kiyomi Watanabe, and Dottie Ardina.—LDF, GMA Integrated News