The 29^th  International Olympics opened in Beijing, China on August 8, 2008 with a big bang and spectacular display of  fireworks. It was told that the Opening Ceremonies cost at least $300 million.  

With the Olympics getting close to the end, The Philippine Olympic team has failed to grab any kind of medal. Of the 15 athletes that represented our country, 13 have already dropped out. Those who gave their best efforts for our first ever Olympic gold medal; wherein a reported $220,000 will be awarded to whoever gets a gold medal; but lacked out where trap shooter Eric Ang; who finished last; track and field Marestella Torres & Henry Dagmil; divers Sheila Mae Perez & Rexel Ryan Fabriga; swimmers Daniel Coakley, Ryan Paolo Arabejo, Miguel Molina, James Walsh & Joan Christel Simms; weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz; archerman Mark Javier; and boxer Harry Tanamor. The only hope now rests -for any medal- on the shoulders of taekwondo jins Toni Rivero & Tshomlee Go, who sees action on Aug. 21. 

There’s good news and bad news for the Fil-Am Olympians JB Walsh & Joan Christel Simms. Walsh, 22 years old, who trained under 1988 Seoul Olympic gold medalist Anthony Nestey is paying off well. He emerged as the winner of Heat 2 of the men’s 200-m butterfly event. However, he did not make it to the 16 man semis as his time ranked 29^th among the 44 swimmers. Of course, this event was won by record holder Michael Phelps of USA. Joan Christel Simms, a Hawaii swimming champion, decided to play for her mother’s native land. Simms, a 17 year old Fil-Hawaiaan, shaved half a second off her national record in the 100-m freestyle. However, it was reported that she may decide to join the US team in the 2012 London Olympics so she can have better training and preparation. 

On the other hand, a 4’-11” / 17 year old Hidilyn Diaz, looked promising in her debut where she didn’t have much time to prepare but went all out to do her best. However, she finished 11^th out of 12. She started weightlifting by sheer necessity. Growing up in Zamboanga, in her early age, she used to fetch water for her family’s use from the community’s water supply. Nagiigib siya ng tubig until at age 11, she started her weightlifting training and became an instant phenom in the gym by besting other male weightlifters. At age 13, she was admitted into the national pool & given formal training. With her ripe age & more years of proper training, she would be definitely a medal prospect in the coming 2012 Olympics.

 People are wondering why did the Philippines have more representatives than athletes. They said that the monies spent for these representatives could have been used for the athletes training. They said that our athletes need financial support from the government for their proper training and provide them with well equipped facilities and trainers. However, with the widespread corruption in our country, most likely the budget allocated to the National Sports Association (NSA), which should have trickled down to the provincial schools, may have never reached the proper channels.  

While the Philippine Olympic team may go home without any medal, some of these athletes have made a remarkable feat by improving their personal bests. And that’s all you can hope for, that each individual will come out as a better athlete, get better wisdom & be a better person and will be an inspiration to others determined to do better.