Team Philippines 'enthusiastic' as training camp for Paris Olympics gets underway

The first batch of the Philippine delegation that has already arrived in France for a training camp beamed with enthusiasm as they look to reach their tip-top form in time for the 2024 Summer Games.

Chef de Mission Jonvic Remulla, alongside Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, led the team in their camp at Metz with the likes of weightlifters Vanessa Sarno and Elreen Ando, boxers Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, rower Joanie Delgaco and weightlifter John Febuar Ceniza already setting foot at the heart of France.

Boxer Eumir Felix Marcial, fencer Samantha Catantan as well as gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Ruivivar, meanwhile, are expected to arrive in the coming days from different origins.

"The athletes are excited and enthusiastic about this training camp, the main objective of which is to make sure our athletes are in top shape for the competitions,” Remulla said.

Tolentino added that the athletes were amazed by the quality of facilities at the camp, adding they will use this opportunity to gear up for the Olympics, where the country is looking to follow up on its four medal-haul in the previous edition that saw Hidilyn Diaz copping the gold plum.

“It’s all systems go here at La Moselle and the morale of the team is very high,” Tolentino said. “The first batch of athletes that flew in with us here last Saturday morning are amazed with the facility and are eager to wind up their training for their respective events for the Olympics.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News