Episode S8 · Ep 25 September 11, 2026 16 min 47s

S8E11: We're Off to the 1924 Paris Olympics!

More than a century ago, the Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time on the biggest sports stage in the world. It was—and is—a matter of great pride to our nation. But it was also an event that was bizarrely marked with mystery and controversy. From disappearing athletes to extra flags, let’s head to Paris in 1924, as we join two sports legends in their journey to the Olympics!

The thumbnail image is from the book The First Filipino Olympians, written by Isidra Reyes, Gerard Lico, and Lorenzo Manguiat. Additional audio in this episode is from the Olympics YouTube page.

My book Silk, Silver, Spices, Slaves is now available on Shopee and Lazada for only P395.

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References:

Reyes, Isidra; Lico, Gerard; Manguiat, Lorenzo (2025). The First Filipino Olympians: The Untold Story of Dr. Regino Ylanan and David Nepomuceno. Archivo 1984.

Gems, Gerald R. (2016). Sport and the American Occupation of the Philippines: Bats, Balls, and Bayonets. Lexington Books.

Associated Press (3 July 2024). “American Runners at Olympics Will Not Have to Fight One Another—Paddock Meets Tough Competition.” Spokane Daily Chronicle. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1338&dat=19240703&id=1cBXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dfQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5835,617567

“Digitalisation.” (Undated) Olympics.com. https://www.olympics.com/ioc/olympic-agenda-reforms/digitalisation

“How digital content will shape the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.” (Undated) Reuters Imagen. https://imagen.io/resources/blog/how-digital-content-will-shape-paris-2024-olympic-games

“Factsheet: The Games of the II Olympiad, Paris 1900 and the Games of the VIII Olympiad, Paris 1924.” (May 2024) International Olympic Committee

Anderson, Jess (2024). “How City of Light Changed the Olympics.” BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/fnyzo8vcuz/how-city-of-light-changed-the-olympics#group-section-Medal-haul-Iqe0fKkNCG

“Catalon, Fortunato.” (Undated) Philippine Olympians Association. https://www.philippineolympians.org/oly/1956-olympics-melbourne-athletics-catalon-fortunato

“Paris 1924 Athletics 200m men Results.” (Undated) Olympics.com. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/paris-1924/results/athletics/200m-men

“Paris 1924 Athletics 100m men Results.” (Undated) Olympics.com. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/paris-1924/results/athletics/100m-men

Housman, Patty (2 April 2021). “Jack Johnson, the Fight of the Century, and Race in America.” American University, Washington D.C. https://www.american.edu/cas/news/jack-johnson-the-fight-of-the-century-and-race-in-america.cfm