Echoes from Olympians

The San Miguel Corp. Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night at the Manila Hotel last Monday wasn't only a celebration of the country's top sports performers of 2024 but also a tribute to Olympians, past and present.

- JOAQUIN HENSON

Philippine Olympians Association chairman Freddie Webb and president Akiko Thomson led the cast of Olympians and Paralympians who attended the glittering starstudded affair.

Webb, 82, came with 1972 Olympic basketball teammates Jimmy Mariano, 83 and Marte Samson, 73.

Mariano also played at the 1968 Games. In his remarks, Webb spoke about an unforgettable experience during the Munich Olympics. He didn't recount how the Olympic Village was rocked by the Black September invasion of the Israel quarters but instead, recalled the inspiring run of Haitian Maurice Charlotin who placed last in men's marathon. Webb said at least 12 starters quit the race but Charlotin persevered and although he came in way after winner Frank Shorter, an ovation from the crowd greeted the Haitian in crossing the finish line. Shorter clocked 2:12:19 while Charlotin, who ended No. 62, timed in at 3:29:21.