5 Agosto 2024, Lunes
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Before Carlos Yulo’s gold, there was Teofilo Yldefonso
By J.Lo
“Confusion remains regarding Yldefonzo’s death…official records state that Yldefonso died from dysentery and septicemia… however, narratives from his family state Yldefonso was wounded by shrapnel and developed gangrene,” PVAO said Carlos Yulo’s incredible feat in Paris Olympics flung him into higher echelons of Filipino athletes in history.
Yulo, who won two Olympic gold medals in Paris, became first Filipino to achieve such feat.
But almost century before, Philippines actually won multiple medals in the Olympics, albeit in consecutive editions.
And it was done by literal hero.
Swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso became first Filipino to win medal in Olympics back in 1928 Summer Games in Amsterdam bronze in 200 meter breaststroke swimming event.
It was not just Philippines’ first. It was actually first-ever Olympic medal from Southeast Asia.
And he did it again in the Los Angeles edition of quadrennial sports meet in 1932, taking home another bronze for the country.
Feat of “Ilocano Shark” is Philippines’ first taste of Olympic excellence, with Yldefonso blazing trail to where it is now.
But glorious run of Yldefonso came to bitter end.
According to Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) of Department of National Defense, Yldefonso enlisted in Philippine Scouts in 1922. Twenty years later, at the height of World War 2, he was among those who fought for Philippines.
DND said Yldefonso was among those who were forced to take part in infamous Bataan Death March. While he survived ordeal, he ultimately succumbed to illness.
His remains reportedly were never found.
Historical marker was erected in his honor in Piddig, Ilocos Norte as he is immortalized. He was also earlier inducted into International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Fast forward to 2024, total of 13 Filipino athletes have won medals in the Games.
And huge bulk of credit should rightly go to the hero Yldefonso, who broke invisible Olympic medal barrier for the Philippines.
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