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Aira Villegas, hailing from Tacloban City, has fought against all odds to achieve her long-awaited dream of competing in the Olympic Games. Her journey to Paris was solidified with a commanding victory over Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Chukanova, clinching a unanimous 5-0 decision in the women’s 50kg category at the 1st Boxing World Olympic Qualification Tournament held in Italy last March.
The 28-year-old Villegas’s path to the Olympics was fraught with challenges. She had to navigate a setback when a hamstring injury forced her to miss the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, an event where she had previously secured a bronze medal in 2019. Her hopes were further tested when she faced an early exit at the Asian Games in Hangzhou months later, succumbing to Mongolia’s Yesugen Oyuntsetseg in the women’s 50kg round of 32.
Reflecting on her journey, Villegas shared, “Before I qualified, last year was tough for me. I faced self-doubt especially before the Asian Games; I was already dealing with an injury since January.”
Despite these setbacks, Villegas found inspiration and resilience through the unwavering support of her family, coaches, and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP). “The process wasn’t easy, but there were people who believed in me, especially my coaches, teammates, and my ABAP family,” she emphasized.
“Now that she is poised to make her Olympic debut alongside fellow Filipino boxers Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Eumir Marcial, and Carlo Paalam later this month, Villegas remains steadfast. She credits her ability to stay focused on the present moment for keeping pressure at bay.”
“The pressure is normal because what we do is important,” Villegas explained. “Right now, I’m focused on my training and the unwavering support of my family.”
With the Philippine delegation currently in Metz, France for their combined training camp, Villegas is dedicating herself entirely to preparation. “The number one reason I’m here is because of my family. I also want to thank all Taclobanons for their support,” she added gratefully.
When asked about her aspirations for her Olympic debut, Villegas replied humbly, “I won’t make promises, but I will let my work in the ring speak for itself. I will give my all, and let the results speak for me.”
As Villegas and her fellow athletes gear up for the global stage in Paris, their journey stands as a testament to perseverance, determination, and the unwavering spirit of Filipino athletes striving to make their mark on the world stage.