Pagdanganan Finishes Fourth in Paris Olympics, Calls for Greater Support for Philippine Athletes

Paris — Philippine golfer Bianca Pagdanganan concluded her Olympic campaign just shy of a medal, tying for fourth place in women’s golf at Le Golf National on Saturday, as she urged for more substantial support for athletes from her country.

According to Philippines News Agency, her performance, which included a final round of four-under-par 68, putting her overall at six-under 282, was a significant personal achievement. However, her medal hopes were dashed when China’s Janet Lin birdied the 18th hole, eliminating the possibility of a bronze medal playoff. New Zealand’s Lydia Ko won the event, while Germany’s Esther Henseleit claimed silver, and Lin took bronze. Pagdanganan tied with Australia’s Hannah Green, South Korea’s Amy Yang, and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita.

A visibly emotional Pagdanganan reflected on her effort, stating in a post-event interview streamed by One Sports, “I made a couple of errors. It stings but knowing that I was able to give my 100 percent, give my everything, it’s all I can do.” She highlighted the lack of support, noting that she and teammate Dottie Ardina, who finished tied for 13th, were not provided with official uniforms—a logistical oversight for which Philippine officials have since apologized.

Pagdanganan’s remarks pointed to a broader issue within Philippine sports, emphasizing that the country’s performance in Paris should act as a “wake-up call.” She expressed pride in representing the Philippines and advocated for better support for athletes, saying, “I want them to know that we’re great athletes and this isn’t just in golf. We can excel in sports if we could just find support.”

The Philippine team, which sent 22 athletes to the Paris Olympics, will return home with two golds and two bronzes. World No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena also finished fourth. Notably, gymnast Carlos Yulo secured both gold medals for the Philippines, while boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas each won a bronze.

Looking ahead, Yulo and Villegas are set to carry the Philippine flag in the closing ceremonies, while Pagdanganan, Ardina, and Obiena will continue their professional commitments abroad. A celebration, including a motorcade in Manila and an audience with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is scheduled for August 13 to honor their achievements.