The 2024 San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night is set to celebrate two of the country’s finest athletes Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. These Filipino boxing champions will be awarded the prestigious President’s Award for their outstanding achievements at the Paris Olympics, where they delivered bronze medals in the women’s 57kg and 50kg divisions, respectively.
Their success not only highlights their individual determination and skill but also underscores the resilience and talent of Philippine athletes on the global stage.
The Paris Olympics marked a milestone for Team Philippines, which delivered its best-ever performance in 100 years of Olympic participation. The boxing duo of Petecio and Villegas played a pivotal role, contributing to the medal haul alongside Carlos Yulo, who won two gold medals in gymnastics.
Nesthy Petecio, a seasoned boxing champion, earned a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg division, adding to her silver from the 2020 Tokyo Games. Her achievement in Paris solidifies her place as one of the Philippines’ most decorated Olympians. Petecio’s journey has been one of grit and perseverance, inspiring countless Filipinos to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
Aira Villegas made her Olympic debut in Paris, clinching a bronze in the women’s 50kg category. Competing as an underdog on the five-member Philippine boxing team, Villegas defied expectations with her remarkable performance, proving her mettle on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The President’s Award is one of the most prestigious accolades given by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. It recognizes athletes who have brought pride to the nation through their extraordinary achievements in sports.
PSA President Nelson Beltran commended Petecio and Villegas for their “bright moments in the Paris Games,” emphasizing their role in bolstering the Philippines’ Olympic legacy during its centennial year.
Boxers Petecio, Villegas to receive special recognition at PSA Awards Nighthttps://t.co/N8T1JZDsky
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 6, 2025
The awards night will also honor gymnast Carlos Yulo with the Athlete of the Year award. Yulo’s back-to-back gold medal victories in Paris have cemented his status as one of the Philippines’ brightest stars in sports. His contributions, alongside those of Petecio and Villegas, showcase the depth of talent in Philippine athletics.
The PSA Awards Night will feature several other accolades, including:
The event is supported by major sponsors such as ArenaPlus, Cignal, MediaQuest, and Milo, with backing from organizations like the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.
Awards like the PSA President’s Award do more than celebrate individual accomplishments—they inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes. For young boxers and sports enthusiasts, Petecio and Villegas represent the heights of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and national pride.
Their stories also draw attention to the importance of supporting sports development programs, which play a crucial role in nurturing future Olympians.
Nesthy Petecio is a Filipino boxer who won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 57kg division.
Aira Villegas is a Filipino boxer who earned a bronze medal in the women’s 50kg division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking her successful Olympic debut.
The PSA President’s Award is a prestigious recognition given by the Philippine Sportswriters Association to honor athletes who have significantly contributed to Philippine sports.
The 2024 PSA Awards Night will take place on January 27 at the grand ballroom of the Manila Hotel.
Carlos Yulo is a Filipino gymnast who won two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He will be honored as the Athlete of the Year at the PSA Awards.
By celebrating outstanding achievements, the PSA Awards motivate athletes to pursue excellence and highlight the importance of sports in national development.
The PSA President’s Award for Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas is a fitting tribute to their Olympic achievements and a reminder of the Philippines’ growing prominence in international sports. As the country celebrates its centennial year in the Olympics, their victories inspire hope and ambition for future generations.
Don’t miss the PSA Awards Night on January 27, 2024, at the Manila Hotel—a celebration of Filipino athletic excellence that promises to inspire and uplift!
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