DAVID NEPOMUCENO, THE FIRST FILIPINO OLYMPIAN | David Nepomuceno (May 9, 1900 – September 27, 1939) a native of Oas, Albay, was the first Filipino to compete in the Olympics. He was a runner and the sole representative of the Philippines at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
When the Philippines joined the International Olympic Committee in 1918, the requisite for the country's acceptance was the participation of a Filipino athlete at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The Philippines debuted in the 1924 Paris Games with a one-athlete, one official delegation. It was one of the 44 countries that participated. David Nepomuceno's fame as a sprint specialist led to his selection as the first Filipino—and Southeast Asian—athlete ever sent to the Olympics.
Nepomuceno and National Physical director Dr. Regino Ylanan took a 33-day boat ride from Manila to Marseilles then went to Paris in a train, arriving a week before the Olympics. A Philippine Scout, he competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter heats in Paris. He never made it beyond the trials. In the 100-meter heat, Nepomuceno finished fourth, outsprinting a Swede and a Czech. He was dead last in the 200-meter dash. Nepomuceno blamed the grueling ocean trip for failing to survive the heats. Although he lost in his only Olympic appearance, Nepomuceno is in the record books as the pioneer Filipino to compete in the quadrennial spectacle.
Unfortunately he was never again given the chance to compete at another Olympics. He was a soldier who served in the Philippine Scouts and eventually, the United States Navy.
He died on September 27, 1939 at the young age of 39.
Note: Photo of runner and first Filipino Olympian David Nepomuceno . This was taken at Paris, France 1924. Courtesy: Rainier Virginio
Pasada Rinconada honors our fellow Bicolano David who participated in the Olympics in the very same city today, 100 years ago!
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