Pinay golfer Dottie Ardina airs frustration over poor condition of equipment and uniforms: 'Ano ba namang klaseng Olympics ‘to?'
Filipino golfer Dottie Ardina, who is currently competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics together with teammate Bianca Pagdanganan, aired her frustrations about the lack of uniforms and poor condition of equipment they're using in the Games.
In a video circulating on social media, the dispirited athlete can be seen working on a makeshift uniform by attaching the Philippine logo to her shirt with a tape.
"Dikit ulit natin ‘to. Double-sided tape. Ang saya-saya! Every day is another day," she said. "I-doble natin 'yung tape, baka matuklap 'to mamaya eh."
"Mahirap na. Sana all may uniform, kami lang ang wala. Kailangan pa naming bumili ng T-shirt. Jusko, ano ba namang klaseng Olympics ‘to," she added.
Ardina then called out to sports officials for their lack of support.
"Shout out naman diyan sa mga walang nagbigay. Nasaan na ba 'yung mga uniform namin? Saan na napunta? Da-dalawa na lang kami dito, 22 na atleta, kulang-kulang pa," she questioned.
"Nakakahiya. Sobrang daming tao, kami lang ang walang uniform. Tuklap-tuklap pa ‘tong [patch na] ‘to," she continued.
In another video, Ardina recorded herself putting the same patch showing the Philippine logo on a different shirt.
The athlete also shared a photo that showed the golf clubs she was using in her matches, which had duct tape covering the labels in accordance with the International Olympic Committee’s restrictions on advertising brands and sponsors.
Ardina and Pagdanganan are among the last few remaining Filipinos who can still earn victories for the Philippines. So far, the athletes that have won medals are gymnast Carlos Yulo with two golds, and boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio with one bronze each.