A native of Tacloban City in the Province of Leyte won bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Aira Villegas, 29 years old, claimed officially a bronze medal after falling short against Turkish boxer Buse Naz Cakiroglu in the semifinals of the women's 50kg boxing event.
Her brother, Romnick, a boxer and coach, congratulated Aira.
"Sobrang proud ako kay Aira, kahit papaano sa sarili ko hindi ko nakuha yung inaaasam ko dati, kahit papaano siya rin ang nagpatuloy sa pagbo-boxing sa pamilya namin. Sobrang saya at thankful siya kay Papa God binigyan siya ng pagkakataon," Romnick said in an interview with GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak.
In an earlier interview, Aira’s brother and trainer urged her to go for gold. Aira mentioned in her earlier interviews as well about Romnick who has always been her inspiration.
Her father, Bonifacio, and mother, Nida, with siblings Marielle and Jhondel, urged Aira to go and fight for the Philippines.
“Laban para sa Pilipinas,” her parents and siblings said in unison.
In a report of GMA Integrated News, Aira’s bronze medal is the Philippines’ third medal in the ongoing Games following gymnast Carlos Yulo's double gold medal in men's gymnastics.
Cakiroglu, Aira’s opponent, won in points via unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-26, 30-27, 30-27, 30-26.
Despite Aira showing a better fight late in the frame, Cakiroglu still swept the judges' score cards, the report added.
Aira’s journey to the Olympic medal started with a win against Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki at the Round of 32, followed by a win against Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam which she also got via unanimous decision.
Aira also defeated hometown bet Wassila Lkhadiri in the quarters via split decision, 3-2.
HERO'S WELCOME
A hero’s welcome is set to greet Aira once she returns to Tacloban City, especially the residents of Barangay 6-A, her turf.
Both the Barangay Council and the Tacloban City Local Government Unit are set to honor Aira’s feat with a hero’s welcome.
As of posting time, it was not determined yet when Aira would come home to the city, but Barangay 6-A Chairman Edgar Cañada vowed they will welcome Aira at the airport.
“If in case bumalik siya dito sa Tacloban, pupunta kami sa airport. Magdadala kami ng welcome [banner or tarp], tapos pagdating sa barangay namin, bibigyan namin siya ng Certificate of Participation sa Olympics,” Cañada said.
(With reports from Fred Padernos)
