For the third straight Olympics, a Filipina athlete will wave the country’s flag in the closing ceremony of the Summer Games.
Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Nesthy Petecio was given the honor of being the country’s flagbearer in the event set to be held on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium.
“Ang flag bearer natin si Nesthy.
“Of course, ‘yung mga officials, ‘yung mga boxing officials at kung sino pa ang atleta doon. Sila Irish (Magno), sila Carlo (Paalam, at sila Eumir (Marcial) mag-attend doon,” said Team Pilipinas chef de mission Nonong Araneta, who is also the head of the Philippine Football Federation, to Radyo5’s Power & Play.
Many of the country’s athletes have already left Tokyo as they are only allowed to remain in the country until 48 hours after their event has ended.
Also joining the athletes are officials headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino.
Jasmine Alkhaldi was the country’s flagbearer in the London closing ceremony in 2012 while Kirstie Alora had the honors in Rio.
Petecio, a native of Davao del Sur, was also given the honor of lighting the couldron in New Clark City during the 30th Southeast Asian Games along with Manny Pacquiao.
