Francis Ceccarelli and Tallulah Proulx shared their thoughts after competing for the Philippines in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
First-time Olympians Francis Ceccarelli and Tallulah Proulx shared heartfelt messages of gratitude after representing the Philippines in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
Both competed in the alpine skiing events of giant slalom and slalom. Both also had the honor of being the Philippine flag bearers in the widespread and simultaneous opening ceremony.
LOOK HOW FAR WE'VE COME
Ceccarelli, a 22-year-old Filipino-Italian, finished 54th in giant slalom.
It was the event where Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil made history as the first athlete from South America to win an Olympic medal. The Norway-born skier secured gold.
"Tignan kung gaano kalayo na ang narating natin pagkatapos ng labis na sakripisyo at pagsusumikap," Ceccarelli posted in a social media post written in both Italian and Filipino.
"Natupad na rin sa wakas ang isa sa mga pangarap ko. Naranasan ko ang kaganapang ito nang buong damdamin; Natawa ako, naiiyak ako, pero higit sa lahat, ang saya ko."
Ceccarelli, however, was one of the 52 skiers--including Pinheiro Braathen--who did not finish in the slalom event due to rough conditions.
"Gusto kong pasalamatan ang lahat ng sumuporta sa akin, at lalo na sa pagpapasaya sa akin sa likod ng screen!"
PHILIPPINE HERITAGE ON THE BIG STAGE
Meanwhile, Proulx finished 52nd in the giant slalom event, where Italy's Federica Brignone achieved her golden double.
She improved her performance in the slalom, starting as 94th and finishing as the 50th overall. It was the event where US skiing great Mikaela Shiffrin took gold, her first Olympics medal since 2018.
"I'd say definitely it felt a bit different. The nerves were definitely elevated... but of course, still exciting," Proulx told FIS Alpine TV in an interview. "I kind of had to focus on, this is another race, right? Kind of think about that mindset instead of trying to make it more intimidating than it is. But it really was such a fun experience."
"Seeing Mikaela Shiffrin absolutely ripped the course. Am I really going to be on that course next?"
But it was a special experience for the 17-year-old to represent the Philippines. Proulx is the youngest Winter Olympian for the country and is the first Filipina to compete in the Winter Games.
"For me, the first Filipina at the Winter Olympics, it's truly such a special moment. I feel so honored to be able to present such an important part of my heritage on the biggest stage that I'll probably ever be on in my life," she shared.
"It was insane having people on the sides chanting, Philippines. I just felt so proud to be Filipino in that moment and to bear that flag with so much pride."
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports. She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Para Games, Asian Games, FIBA World Cup, and FIVB World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.