Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio dedicated her historic silver Olympic medal to the LGBT+ community, calling on them to “go forward” and fight for their rights.

Petecio made history on Tuesday (3 August) when she secured silver in the Women’s Featherweight Boxing, becoming the first Filipino female boxer ever to win an Olympic medal.

After a nail-biting showdown, the boxer narrowly lost to Japan’s Sena Irie via a unanimous decision but showed nothing but pride as she honored the LGBT+ community with her win.

“I am proud to be part of the LGBTQ community,” said Petecio, who is a lesbian. “Go forward, fight! This win is also for you.”

She added: “Whatever your gender is, as long as you have a dream, keep fighting.”

Petecio’s passion was clear as she wept openly during the awards ceremony, raising her medal on the podium to acknowledge cheers from the Filipinos in the arena.

“I cried earlier because I wanted to dedicate the gold to coach Nolito [Velasco],” she told ESPN afterward. “We came up short but I did my best in the ring.” 

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/08/04/nesthy-petecio-olympics/