Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio was overcome with emotion after falling short of the gold medal against Japan's Sena Irie on Tuesday afternoon.
"To all who prayed for me, messaged me, I thank you very much," said a sobbing Petecio to ESPN5's Paolo del Rosario in an interview post-match.
"Pasensya kung silver lang ang inuwi ko [I'm sorry if it's only silver I'm bringing home]."
The Filipino featherweight, who lost via unanimous decision to the hometown bet, assured that she poured her heart out in trying to give the Philippines its first Olympic boxing gold medal.
"I cried [after the match] because I felt sorry for my coaches," explained Petecio, her voice breaking right before the floodgates opened for her tears. "I wanted to dedicate my gold to coach Nolito [Velasco]. But I fell short."
"I did my best in the ring. You all saw how I fought back," furthered the Davao native, referring to her strong second to third round performance after losing the first.
Looking forward, Petecio, who is still the first Filipina boxer to win a medal in the Olympiad, was of the same mind with gymnast Carlos Yulo on having her sights set for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"That's what I want to happen, of course with the guidance of the Almighty and my coaches, and with the help of your prayers," she expressed.