When news broke that the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is considering tapping Fil-British Bronze Medalist Jake Jarman to compete for the Philippines in the 2028 Olympics, it was met with mixed reactions. While the prospect of Jarman representing the country is exciting, one must ask: Is GAP truly prepared to support an athlete of his caliber?
The question is not whether Jarman should compete for the Philippines—of course, it would be a source of immense pride—but rather whether the country is ready to provide the necessary resources and training to develop and sustain top-tier athletes. The harsh reality is that many of our most successful athletes have had to seek training abroad, where they find the facilities, coaching, and support that simply aren’t available at home.
The Philippines has long been a nation of sports enthusiasts. From the basketball courts to the boxing rings, Filipinos have a deep-rooted love for athletics. However, despite this passion, the country’s sports development programs remain woefully underfunded and underdeveloped. This has resulted in a system where only those athletes with the means to train abroad can reach their full potential.
Take the case of Carlos Yulo, who has become a beacon of hope for Philippine gymnastics. Yulo’s move to Japan, where he trained under the expert guidance of coach Munehiro Kugimiya, was instrumental in his journey to becoming a world champion. His story is a clear example of what can be achieved when athletes have access to world-class training and facilities—something he could not have found in the Philippines.
Similarly, Hidilyn Diaz’s journey to winning the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 is a testament to the power of proper training. Forced to leave the country due to inadequate resources and facilities, Diaz found the support she needed in Malaysia, where she honed her skills under top-tier coaches. Her victory, while celebrated by millions of Filipinos, also highlighted a painful truth: success often requires our athletes to leave home.
Even Manny Pacquiao, perhaps the most iconic Filipino athlete of all time, trained in the United States under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club before rising to global prominence. The success stories of Yulo, Diaz, and Pacquiao all share a common thread—they had to seek opportunities abroad to achieve their dreams.
This reliance on foreign training underscores a glaring issue: the Philippines’ sports development programs are in dire need of reform. It is not enough to celebrate the successes of our athletes when those successes are largely the result of opportunities they found outside the country. If we are to truly nurture homegrown talent, we must address the systemic issues that force our athletes to seek training elsewhere.
The government, in partnership with the private sector, must invest in modern sports infrastructure that provides athletes with the facilities and equipment they need to succeed. Developing local coaching expertise and advancing sports science knowledge are equally crucial. Partnerships with international sports organizations and training programs for local coaches can play a vital role in this effort.
Furthermore, the focus of support should not be limited to a few sports. By expanding support across a wider range of disciplines, we can uncover hidden talents and inspire more athletes to pursue their passions. Building a strong foundation for sports at the grassroots level will also be key in identifying and nurturing young talent, creating a pipeline of athletes who can compete on the world stage without needing to leave the country.
While the recent international successes of Filipino athletes are commendable, they also serve as a reminder of the gaps in our sports development programs. It is time for the Philippines to take a hard look at its approach to athletics and commit to the comprehensive reforms needed to create an environment where homegrown talent can flourish. Only then can we ensure that our athletes achieve success while proudly representing their country, without having to seek better opportunities abroad.
The victories of Yulo, Diaz, and Pacquiao should inspire not only the next generation of athletes but also the policymakers and leaders responsible for shaping the future of Philippine sports. Their stories demonstrate what can be achieved with the right support, and it is our responsibility to ensure that future athletes have the same opportunities to succeed—right here at home.
