Carlo Paalam settles for silver; adds to best Olympic medal haul for the Philippines
MANILA – The world witnessed Carlo Paalam’s fearless stand but lost the time and settled for silver medal as Great Britain’s Galal Yafai snatched the gold during the final round of the men’s flyweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics past midday today.
Paalam had to recover from a knockdown during the first round where he was accorded an eight-count from the referee after taking Yafai’s one-two combination and getting caught on the ropes.
He recovered and stayed very much in contention, but the five judges awarded the round to the British slugger a 10-9 decision.
Paalam showed brawn during the second round though the British fighter still got four judges awarding him the bout.
The 23-year-old Filipino boxer won the final round though he lost with a split decision, 4-1.
With Paalam’s silver medal, the Philippines had its biggest medal haul in the modern-day Olympics history with one gold, two silver and one bronze medals.
Hidilyn Diaz won the gold in weightlifting, Nesthy Petacio won her silver in boxing, while Eumir Marcial settled for a bronze medal in his category.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque extended his greetings to Carlo Paalam after he took the silver medal at about midday today.
“The entire Filipino nation is very proud of the silver medal finish in the Men’s flyweight division,” Secretary Roque said.
He said Carlo’s road to the Olympics is the story of Filipinos – “one filled with perseverance, sacrifice and hard work.”
“We are grateful to all the Filipino athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics for showcasing their world-class talent, representing the country and uplifting the spirit of our people in these trying times of COVID-19. We thank you for giving the Philippines its best Olympic performance in history,” Secretary Roque said. (Melo M. Acuña)
Carlo Paalam (in red shirt) slugs it out with Great Britain's Galal Yafai (right). (Screen grab from live television coverage of the finals at midday today)
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