Filipino star Hergie Bacyadan undeterred by Olympic exit; vows to do better for the Philippines in the future
The road to the Olympic Games is a journey filled with challenges, dreams, and the hopes of an entire nation. For Filipino boxing star Hergie Bacyadan, her Olympic debut at the ongoing Summer Games in Paris, France, was a bittersweet experience. Despite her early exit from the competition, Bacyadan's resolve to represent the Philippines on the global stage remains unshaken. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her country.
Hergie Bacyadan entered the North Paris Arena on Wednesday, July 31, with high hopes and the weight of her country's expectations on her shoulders. Competing in the women’s 75-kilogram boxing event, Bacyadan faced off against a formidable opponent in China’s Li Qian. The bout was a significant challenge for Bacyadan, as Li Qian is not just any competitor; she is a two-time Olympic medalist, having secured a bronze at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and a silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
From the outset, it was clear that Bacyadan was up against a seasoned opponent. Li Qian’s experience and skill were on full display, as she controlled the fight and landed precise counterpunches. Bacyadan, who had transitioned to boxing just a few years prior, struggled to find her rhythm against the more experienced Chinese boxer. Despite her best efforts, Bacyadan was unable to overcome Li Qian's superior technique and ring craft. The judges unanimously scored the bout 30-27 in favor of Li Qian, ending Bacyadan's Olympic journey in the round of 16.
In the aftermath of her loss, Bacyadan took to social media to express her feelings and address her fellow Filipinos. In a heartfelt message, she apologized for not advancing further in the competition but also shared her pride in having competed on the Olympic stage. “To the whole Philippines, I’m sorry for letting you down. I promise to fight for our country again and do better in the future,” she wrote.
Despite a valiant effort, Hergie Bacyadan 🇵🇭 bowed out of his Olympic debut in the round-of-16 against former world champion Li Qian. Unanimous decision for the # 1 seed. #LabanPilipinas #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/xJyFujJWH7
— venice (@VenNotBen) July 31, 2024
Bacyadan also reflected on the surreal experience of facing Li Qian, an athlete she had long admired. “Before, I only dreamed of fighting Li because she is my idol. When I got to face her in the USA, I told myself, ‘I will meet her in the Olympics.’ It makes me proud to go up against the top seed and twice Olympian medalist,” she added. This sense of pride and respect for her opponent speaks volumes about Bacyadan's character and sportsmanship.
Bacyadan's journey to the Olympics is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Originally a vovinam practitioner, she only transitioned to boxing in 2019. Vovinam, a Vietnamese martial art, was Bacyadan's first love, and she achieved considerable success in the sport. In 2023, she won a gold medal at the World Championships and a silver medal at the Southeast Asian Games held in Cambodia. However, her passion for representing the Philippines on the global stage led her to switch to boxing, a sport that demands a completely different skill set and mindset.
The transition from vovinam to boxing was not an easy one. Bacyadan had to learn new techniques, develop different physical attributes, and adapt to the intense mental challenges that boxing presents. Yet, in just a few years, she managed to qualify for the Olympics, an achievement that many athletes spend their entire careers striving for. Bacyadan's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone in pursuit of a dream.
For Bacyadan, qualifying for the Olympics was not just a personal milestone; it was a moment of national pride. Despite her early exit, she remains optimistic about the future and the impact that her Olympic experience will have on her career. “It is sad to think about losing, but I’m grateful that I got to reach the Olympics. The experience of fighting on this stage is a huge thing for me. I’m etched in history now. I will always be known as an Olympian, so I’m so happy and blessed to be part of the Olympians,” Bacyadan concluded.
Her words highlight the dual nature of the Olympic experience—both the joy of participation and the pain of defeat. Yet, for Bacyadan, the experience has only strengthened her resolve to continue improving and to represent the Philippines with even greater determination in the future.
As Bacyadan looks to the future, she does so with a clear vision of what she wants to achieve. She understands that there is a gap between where she is now and where she needs to be to compete with the best in the world. However, she is not daunted by this challenge. Instead, she is motivated to work harder, refine her skills, and come back stronger.
“I just told the coaches, ‘Sorry coach, I did my best. We are just not yet at that level where we can beat the high-ranking opponents.’ But in terms of bravery, we have it. I was just trying to time my punches because she is really good at counterpunching—that’s her game,” she explained.
Bacyadan’s commitment to growth and her recognition of the areas where she needs to improve are indicative of an athlete who is serious about reaching the pinnacle of her sport. Her journey is far from over, and with the support of her coaches, teammates, and the Filipino people, there is no doubt that Bacyadan will continue to push the boundaries of what she can achieve.
Bacyadan was the second Filipino boxer to exit the 2024 Olympic Games, following the departure of Eumir Marcial. Their exits leave Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, and Carlo Paalam as the remaining Filipino boxers still in the hunt for a medal. The pressure on these athletes is immense, as they carry the hopes of a nation that has a rich history in boxing and a strong desire to see its athletes succeed on the world stage.
The Philippines has long been a powerhouse in the sport of boxing, producing world champions and Olympic medalists who have brought honor to the country. Bacyadan’s journey, while it did not result in a medal, is still an important chapter in this ongoing legacy. Her participation in the Olympics serves as an inspiration to the next generation of Filipino boxers, showing them that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, they too can compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Hergie Bacyadan's Olympic debut may not have ended the way she had hoped, but it is clear that she has the heart of a champion. Her journey from vovinam to boxing, her determination to face one of the best in the world, and her commitment to continue fighting for the Philippines are all testaments to her resilience and dedication.
As Bacyadan looks to the future, she does so with the support of an entire nation behind her. The lessons learned from her Olympic experience will undoubtedly shape her career moving forward, and there is every reason to believe that she will come back stronger and more determined than ever. The Philippines can be proud of Hergie Bacyadan, not just for her efforts in Paris, but for the spirit and resolve she embodies as she continues to represent her country on the world stage.
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