NESTHY Petecio and Aira Villegas, members of the Philippines’ women’s boxing squad that competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, would be honored at the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night. 

It has been shown on several occasions that well-deserved credit will always be given to those who worked valiantly to perform even under extreme pressure to deliver, especially when representing a whole country. 

Along with Carlos Yulo’s astounding two gold medal finishes, the Filipina boxers contributed to the country’s best-ever result in the Summer Games, courtesy to the bronze medals they won.

Petecio and Villegas will receive the President’s Award from the country’s oldest media organization during its yearly awards night on January 27, 2025, at the historic Manila Hotel. 

A Remarkable Year

Petecio’s bronze medal was her second Olympic medal, following her silver from the Tokyo Games. She became the first Filipino boxer to achieve back-to-back Olympic podium finishes.

Meanwhile, Villegas was filled with pride as she overcame adversity in her Olympic debut as an underdog among the five-man Philippine boxing delegates who competed.

Even PSA President Nelson Beltran expressed his pride in awarding these two boxers. Despite not receiving the most generous cash incentives upon their return, the credit and respect will always be the same.

“They may have missed the biggest prize in the 2024 Olympics, but nonetheless deserve high accolades with their own bright moments in the Paris Games, providing extra push in the glorious Philippine performance,” said Beltran.

“A great highlight in the country’s centennial year of participation in the Summer Games,” added Beltran, who is the sports editor of The Philippine Star, regarding the special recognition they hand the boxers.

Recognizing Greatness

Yulo, who won two gold medals in men’s artistic gymnastics at the Paris Games, will earn the highest individual accolade, the 2024 Athlete of the Year award. 

The 4-foot-11 star gymnast will also be the first gymnast named as the Athlete of the Year by the oldest media group and its annual gala night since Pia Adelle Reyes in 1997. 

Other honors include Executive of the Year, Major Awardees in Other Sports, Mr. Basketball (professional and amateur), Ms. Volleyball, and Tony Siddayao honors for athletes aged 17 and under.

Meanwhile, all other Philippine Olympians and Paralympians will receive special recognition, and another legendary Filipino athlete will be inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame.