Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Filipinos expect this batch of Philippine Olympians to give their best and put up a good fight at the Games.
“Buo ang ating suporta sa inyo. Umaasa tayo magiging maganda ang inyong performance sa Olympics," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.
“Maraming nanonood at sumusubaybay sana maging maganda ang performance ng ating atleta," she added.
For this year’s Games, the Philippines sent 11 of its best athletes to compete. This will be the country's smallest Olympic delegation in history.
Of the 11, four made it to the Olympics because every country is required to send in a delegation for the swimming and athletics category:
- Jhessie Khing Lacuna – Swimming
- Jasmine Alkhaldi – Swimming
- Marestella Torres – Athletics
- Rene Herrera – Athletics
The other seven won qualifying matches held in different countries:
- Paul Brian Rosario – Shooting
- Tomohiko Hoshina – Judo
- Hidilyn Diaz – Weightlifting
- Daniel Caluag – Cycling
- Rachel Ann Cabral – Archery
- Mark Javier – Archery
- Mark Anthony Barriga – Boxing
