
2012 OLYMPICS: ELEVEN ATHLETES TO REPRESENT THE PHILIPPINES
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 05 Jul 2012

Mark Anthony Barriga.
The Philippines will send the leanest Olympic delegation since the country participated with 12 athletes in the 1996 Games in Atlanta, Georgia, USA when Mansueto ?Onyok? Velasco won the silver medal in boxing. There were 15 in the 2008 Games in Beijing. Only eleven athletes will see action in the 2012 Olympics scheduled from July 27 to August 12.
The eleven athletes are:
Mark Anthony Barriga (boxing)
Marestella Torres (athletics)
Rene Herrera (athletics)
Jasmine Alkhaldi (swimming)
Jessie Khing Lacuna (swimming)
Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting)
Brian Rosario (shooting)
Tomohiko Hoshina (judo)
Daniel Caluag (BMX cycling)
Mark Javier (archery)
Rachelle Anne Cabral-dela Cruz (archery)
There are Filipino athletes who are based abroad, namely, judoka Tomohiko Hoshina, who is staying in Japan and BMX cyclist Daniel Caluag, who came from the United States.
The latest additions were archers Mark Javier and Rachel Cabral after qualifying in the recently-concluded World Archery Championships in Ogden, Utah.
The athletes are all asking for the Filipinos? support and prayers as they face stiff competition from the world?s best sportspersons.
?It?s very difficult now especially that my opponents have won the gold, silver or bronze in the previous Olympic Games,? said Barriga, the lone Filipino boxer who will campaign at the light flyweight division.
?The most important thing is for our athletes to do their best and show the heart and determination that is present in every Filipino. Our focus is to show the world that we have the makings of champions and that we are unyielding and steadfast in achieving our goals.? said Mr. Jose ?Peping? Cojuangco, President of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III in a message challenged them to compete in the Olympics in London to end the Philippines' 16-year medal drought. Aquino said, "I know the world may not be expecting us to take home multiple gold medals. But I believe in the capacity of the Filipino to surprise. I believe in the capacity of the Filipino to be excellent in anything they do?to be world class."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Mason Storm: Abdullah Butchers Nakathila in Norfolk Showcase
Sun, 08 Jun 2025Return of the comeback
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 08 Jun 2025MANNY PACQUIAO IN CANASTOTA, NY (PHOTOS)
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Jun 2025Introducing The Spartan Series: Vegas Fight Experience — Where Authentic Sparring Meets Cinematic Vegas Energy
Sun, 08 Jun 2025RESULTS FROM TONIGHT’S “HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT” PRESENTED BY SALITA PROMOTIONS & ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT LIVE ON DAZN AT THE TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO
Sat, 07 Jun 2025Davis vs De Los Santos: The Fight That Never Was
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Jun 20252 Filipino grandmasters join Touchmove chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 07 Jun 2025Keyshawn Davis Fight Canceled After Weight Miss, Mason-Nakathila Elevated to Main Event
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 07 Jun 2025Eumir Marcial Set to Battle Alexis Gaytán in Pacquiao's Comeback Show
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 07 Jun 2025SUNDAY: Fabio Turchi-Milans Volkovs Cruiserweight Showdown Headlines Italy Fight Card LIVE in the U.S. on ESPN+
Sat, 07 Jun 2025Bomogao KOs Rubio in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 07 Jun 2025REYES CUP SET FOR ELECTRIFYING RETURN TO MANILA, OCTOBER 16–19
Sat, 07 Jun 2025King's Promotions June 19th Card at Wind Creek Event Center is Postponed Card Rescheduled for September 5th
Sat, 07 Jun 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 7 - AMATEUR BOXING CAREER OF MUHAMMAD ALI
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 06 Jun 2025Indiana, Haliburton Do It Again, Pacers Shock OKC on the Road, 111-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 06 Jun 2025