Fearless and Historic: Nesthy Petecio’s rise as a Filipino boxing icon

Nesthy Alcayde Petecio is more than just a two-time Olympic medalist. She is a living testament to grit, determination, and the unbreakable Filipino spirit. From the dusty streets of Davao del Sur to the electrifying arenas of Tokyo and Paris, Petecio’s journey is one of resilience—of rising after every fall, and of turning setbacks into stepping stones toward greatness.

Humble Roots in Davao del Sur

Nesthy was born on April 11, 1992, in the quiet town of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, in the southern Philippines. She grew up in a modest household, one where boxing wasn’t just a sport—it was a necessity. Her father, who worked as a farmer and occasionally as a carpenter, introduced her to boxing at a young age. She would go on to fight in local tournaments, often against boys, to help put food on the table.

Even as a child, Petecio was relentless. Fighting in barangay boxing events, she was undeterred by bruises or pain. What mattered was the prize money—however small—which could help her family get by. Her story is one that resonates with many Filipinos who have had to claw their way out of poverty, not with anger, but with determination and love for their families.

Early Struggles and A Taste of Glory

Despite her talent, Petecio faced disappointment in the early stages of her international career. She failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, a crushing blow that almost led her to quit the sport altogether. But instead of walking away, she chose to fight harder. In 2019, her persistence paid off when she won the gold medal at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Ulan-Ude, Russia. That win not only re-established her reputation on the world stage but also re-ignited her Olympic dream.

The victory silenced critics and proved that Petecio had the skill, heart, and mental fortitude to compete with the best. It also positioned her as a frontrunner heading into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Making History in Tokyo 2020

At the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nesthy Petecio achieved what no Filipina boxer had ever done before—she won an Olympic medal. Competing in the women’s featherweight division, she fought her way through a competitive bracket, defeating top-tier opponents like Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei and Italy’s Irma Testa.

In the gold medal bout, she faced Japan’s Sena Irie. Despite a valiant effort and a closely contested fight, Petecio lost via unanimous decision. Still, her silver medal was historic—it was the Philippines’ first Olympic medal in women’s boxing and only the second ever in the sport, following Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco’s silver in 1996.

The achievement earned Petecio national hero status. But more than that, she used her platform to speak openly about her identity, dedicating her silver medal to her family, the Filipino people, and the LGBTQ+ community. Her courage to be her authentic self—on the biggest stage in sports—was as inspiring as her performance in the ring.

PETECIO NAILS BRONZE FOR THE PHILIPPINES! 🇵🇭🥉🥊

JUST IN. Nesthy Petecio concludes her campaign in the Paris Olympics with a bronze after a split decision loss to Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in the women’s 57kg semifinals. An Olympic gold remains elusive for the Philippines as all… pic.twitter.com/LBIE8sa255

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) August 7, 2024

A Return to the Podium in Paris 2024

Four years after Tokyo, Petecio returned to the Olympic stage, this time at the 2024 Paris Olympics, determined to climb back onto the podium. She moved up to compete in the 57 kg division (a slightly expanded featherweight class) and again showed the world why she is considered one of the fiercest fighters in the sport.

Petecio made it to the semifinals, showcasing experience, composure, and the grit that has defined her career. She outboxed talented opponents from India, China, and host country France, only to fall short in the semifinals against Polish rising star Julia Szeremeta in a split decision.

Though she missed out on the gold once more, her bronze medal was a triumph in itself. With this achievement, Petecio became the first Filipino boxer in history to win medals in two different Olympic Games—an accomplishment that places her in elite company not just in Philippine sports, but in the global boxing world.

A Fighter in and Out of the Ring

What makes Petecio’s story extraordinary isn’t just her Olympic hardware—it’s what she represents. She is an LGBTQ+ trailblazer in a sport and a society where being openly queer is still met with resistance. She is also a woman in a male-dominated sport, smashing gender expectations with every jab and uppercut.

Beyond the ring, she serves as a member of the Philippine Coast Guard and has been promoted several times in recognition of her service and achievements. She is also an advocate for youth development and continues to use her platform to inspire young girls, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to chase their dreams—whether in boxing or any other field.

Honors and Legacy

Over the years, Petecio has amassed an impressive list of accolades:

• 2014 AIBA Women’s World Championships Silver Medalist 

   

• 2019 AIBA Women’s World Champion 

   

• 2020 Tokyo Olympics Silver Medalist (Women’s Featherweight) 

   

• 2024 Paris Olympics Bronze Medalist (Women’s 57 kg) 

   

• Multiple Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medals 

   

• Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year 

   

• Elevated to Petty Officer First Class by the Philippine Coast Guard 

   

Her name now stands alongside legends like Manny Pacquiao and Hidilyn Diaz in the annals of Philippine sports. But her legacy goes even further: she is proof that one’s circumstances do not dictate one’s destiny.

A Continuing Journey

At 33 years old, Petecio has already accomplished what most athletes can only dream of. But true to her nature, she hasn’t ruled out another run at the Olympics or a final act on the world stage.

When asked about retirement, she smiled and said, “Hangga’t kaya, lalaban pa rin ako.” (“As long as I can, I’ll keep fighting.”)

Nesthy Petecio is not just a boxer. She is a fighter for equality, dignity, and Filipino pride. Her story will continue to inspire generations—not just for the medals she’s won, but for the barriers she’s broken and the courage she’s shown.

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