Nesthy strikes item off bucket list but keeps focus on chase of Games gold
Nesthy Petecio, to borrow a cliche, is living proof that women can stand out in a sport ruled by men.
“Women can overcome challenges and excel in sports that men dominate,” said Petecio after Philippine boxing’s only double Olympic medalist and fellow boxer Aira Villegas were named Athletes of the Year in the 2025 All Women Sports Awards.
Petecio shone brightest among a sea of 141 outstanding Filipino women athletes, coaches and sports leaders from various national sports associations recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through its Women in Sports program in celebration of National Women’s Month.
“This is a part of my bucket list. I’m grateful to have unlocked it,” said the boxing great from Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, and Philippine Coast Guard member who won the featherweight silver medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the bronze in last year’s Paris Olympics.
Villegas, unable to attend the awards ceremony at Century Park Hotel, likewise secured a bronze medal in the Paris Games as they joined Olympic double-gold performer Carlos Yulo in writing the nation’s best performance in the Olympics.
“This awards night is more than just a celebration; it’s a tribute to the progress we’ve made in women’s sports,” said PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo. “We want to honor not only our athletes, but also the coaches, sports executives and individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to advance gender equality in sports.”
Ochoa also cited
Meggie Ochoa, who recently retired after a stellar career in jiujitsu, earned the Lifetime Achievement Award in the second year of the awards ceremony that acknowledges athletes across all categories, including para athletes, Special Olympics competitors and masters athletes.
“Commissioner Bong Coo’s initiative is truly inspiring because it promotes inclusivity,” said Judith Staples, a pole vault master athlete who formed part of the selection committee.
The 2025 All Women Sports Awards is backed by the Philippine Commission on Women, Lacoste (Wrist Pod), CEL Logistics, Cynergy Artworks, OMG Memories and Milo.
Petecio had constantly received and earned numerous awards and accolades, but the 32-year-old former world champion isn’t done yet.
Eyeing another Olympic stint in Los Angeles 2028, Petecio’s focus this year is the World Boxing Championships from Sept. 4 to 14 in Liverpool, England, and the Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December where she’s the reigning featherweight gold medalist.
“The world needs more women who can dream big. As for me, I have no intention of stopping until I get that gold [in the Olympics],” Petecio said.
