One of the trending topics that filled our televisions and social media feeds is how Filipinas bagged numerous medals for the Philippines in the recent 2018 Asian Sports. Next to the Olympic games, the Asian Games is the biggest multi-sport games which is organized by the Olympic Council of Asia held in Jakarta-Palembang. Now, let’s break it down and bust some common myths that have been around.
Women aren’t “enough.”
Women are often said to not be good enough or not as good as men – but heck, women can excel in sports! Case in point: Hidilyn Diaz won the Gold medal in Weightlifting Women’s – 53kg. Her career includes the participation in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. This is a major #clapback!
(LOOK: PHP 5M Reward for Hidilyn Diaz’s Silver Medal Win)
Women have to look sexy.
Another common myth is linked to being or looking sporty. In a society where the audience tends to watch female players who are dressed more provocatively, such as tighter shorts, this is should not be the case. One athlete who has exceptional skills (heck, even better than men!) is Margielyn Didal who won Gold in Roller Sports – Women’s street skateboard! Her fashion sense is really awesome and rad!
(READ: SEA Games cut down on sports events; Philippines and others at a Disadvantage)
Women lack in Mental Capacity.
Mental attitude is as important in sports as physical strength. They say women ‘lack in mental capacity.” This isn’t true, though, as women are mentally tough enough to manage their emotions to their advantage, which is helpful in sports such as golf. Yuka Saso (who won gold in Golf, Women’s individual) together with Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go won in gold in Golf — Women’s team!
Team Philippines won a total number of 21 medals; both women and men in their respective sports. Other athletes who won medals include Kiyomi Watanabe (Silver, Judo, Women’s -63 kg), Chery May Regalado (Bronze, Pinak Silat, Women’s Single), and Margarita Ochoa (Jiu-Jitsu, Bronze, Newaza Women’s -49kg).
