There is no goodbye, only bonjour for Carlo Paalam.
The Tokyo 2020 silver medalist seized a chance to settle unfinished business by defeating India’s Sachin Sachin with a unanimous 5-0 decision in the semifinals of the 2024 Boxing 2nd World Qualification Tournament on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 23-year-old boxer from Bukidnon, who got the nod from all five judges in the second round, performed well enough in the third to clinch the bout and secure his Olympic ticket.
Paalam, a two-time SEA Games champion, will join fellow Tokyo medalists Eumir Marcial and Nesthy Petecio in Paris next month, along with debuting pugilist Aira Villegas.
Hergie Baclayan, who claimed a Vovinam Worlds title last year, switched focus to boxing in hopes of making the Olympics. She is now one win away from adding to the growing Philippine delegation to the French capital.
Boxing and artistic gymnastics now have four athletes each in the Games, with the latter featuring two-time World champion Carlos Yulo leading the pack.
Three female gymnasts realized their Olympic dreams as Alleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo made their switch to represent the Three Stars and the Sun count.
Weightlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ando, and Vanessa Sarno will look to follow Hidilyn Diaz’s path to the first-ever Olympic gold for the country.
Pole vaulter and 2023 Athletics Worlds silver medalist EJ Obiena, rower Joanie Delgaco, and fencer Samantha Catantan complete the country’s centenary Olympic squad.
