PH athletes ready for Thai action

While an Olympic victory holds high value when measured within the confines of national pride and foreign exposure, it is in the Southeast Asian Games that we gauge ourselves against our neighboring rivals and come up with a true assessment of our preparedness to produce sporting champions once in every four years.

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We can't and won't forget how Hidilyn Diaz shone in Tokyo and how Carlos Yulo ascended to greatness in Paris.

Diaz the weightlifter won gold in the 2019 SEA Games the country hosted in Manila, while Yulo the gymnast plucked two mints in 2023 Cambodia. A warmup routine, a thrust for confidence, or just a map charted toward grand places, both events served as springboards to bigger things in bigger stages.

With the Thailand Games nearing, and Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla bracing for the hosting of the 33rd edition of the biennial sportsfest for 11 member countries from Dec. 9 to 20, the exploits of Diaz and Yulo could be used to spark interest and be the guiding light to a common goal.

Now is the time for others to emulate what the two athletes have forged through hard work, discipline, and years of sacrifice.