The boxer won a bronze medal at her Olympic debut.
This year is Aira Villegas’ first shot at the Olympics, and she’s already taking home a bronze medal.
Making it all the way to the boxing semifinals, Villegas bowed out after Türkiye’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu won the match through a unanimous decision.
READ ALSO: Golden Slam: Novak Djokovic Achieves Tennis Milestone After Winning Gold At Olympics
Though Villegas was able to land some strong punches, it was a tough competition for the Filipino boxer. Cakiroglu is the third-seeded boxer in the women’s 50kg category and the silver medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
An Admirable Achievement
“Hindi naman po ako super disappointed, kasi ginawa ko yung best ko (I’m not super disappointed, because I did my best),” Villegas told One Sports.
She admits that Cakiroglu was really good in their match, but that she was able to put her best foot forward as well.
“Sa lahat ng Pilipino na napuyat, sorry. Nakapag-uwi po ako ng medal, sana proud pa rin kayo sakin (To all the Filipinos who stayed up late, sorry. I’m bringing home a medal, I hope you’re still proud of me),” she continued.
President Marcos Jr. congratulated the athlete on her performance throughout the Paris Olympics. “That was a knockout performance in your Olympic debut! You made us all proud and are surely an inspiration to young Filipinas,” he posted on social media.
“Thank you for bringing home the bronze. Mabuhay ka!”
According to the Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act, Villegas will receive P2 million for her bronze medal.
She may also receive additional perks from other government agencies as well as private businesses who want to support her.
Banner image via Instagram @iiamairavillegas.
