Around GMA

Signal No. 1 up over 27 areas as Wilma threatens to make landfall over Eastern Visayas
Dawn Zulueta opens up on navigating menopause with grace and confidence
Torres game-winner saves Benilde, forces semis do-or-die versus SBU 

Article Inside Page

Showbiz News

Asian Games gold medalist Mikee Cojuangco wants to represent the Philippines well as the first Asian woman to be part of the International Olympic Committee (OIC) Executive Board.

The 2002 Asian Games gold medalist Mikee Cojuangco was elected into the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board at the 136th IOC session in its first ever virtual session, on Friday, July 17.

Together with her fellow equestrian Gerardo Werthein of Argentina, Mikee is now part of the highest body in the international sports governing organization. She is also the first Asian woman to become part of the IOC Executive Board.

Source: gmanetwork.com

In her 24 Oras interview with Chino Trinidad, Mikee said, “When I applied for the membership for the IOC (International Olympic Committee), hindi ko alam na makukuha ako.

"So, when I did become a member of the IOC, I was so prepared to work so that I could prove myself. So that I can represent the country well. Dala-dala ko pa rin 'yung bandila ng Pilipinas. When they look at me, they still see a Filipino."

The actress-athlete also clarified that her new position is not authority.

“On contrary also to a lot of people had presumed, it's not me having more authority.

"It's not me being in a position to bring something home to the Philippines in addition to the benefits that we are already receiving from the IOC.

"It's exactly the why I am the OIC Representative to the Philippines and not the other way around,” she added.

Here are the results of today's IOC EB elections. #IOCSession pic.twitter.com/5fEOgyhnef

-- IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) July 17, 2020

In relation to the system of Philippine sports, she said, “I would like to see more cohesive working community. It's impossible for the Philippines to be successful locally and internationally if everyone who has some kind of leadership role cannot join with everyone else who has a leadership role.”

As the chairman of the IOC Educational Committee, Mikee reminded the public about the core values of sports.

“The experience of being in sports will naturally expose you to the Olympic values--friendship, respect, excellence, to be the best that you can be, to respect the rules and respect each other, and build a family within that thing that you love doing so much.

"In that way, you build better people and then you build a better country,” she added.

As an equestrienne, Mikee bagged gold medals for the country in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea and in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in the Alabang Country Club, Muntinlupa.

The wife of Dodot Jaworski was also declared champion at the 2011 International Equestrian Federation World Dressage Challenge.

Prior to joining the IOC Executive Board, Mikee first became an IOC Member at the 125th IOC Session held in Buenos Aires in 2013.

Watch the full 24 Oras report in the video above.