5 Filipino Athletes Championing Girl Power in Sports

Gone are the days when boxing and basketball were the only sports that ruled the scene, and most superstar Filipino athletes were men. Now, women in sports are leading the charge, even dominating in arenas long seen as “boys’ clubs.”

But beyond medals and historic wins, how these women are breaking stereotypes is truly inspiring. They own their strength, grace, and the full spectrum of what it means to be a woman. Find out what this means and be inspired by these Pinay athletes changing the game. 

Hidilyn set the bar high with her performances at the 2017 SEA Games and the 2018 Asian Games, but exceeded expectations (and her own record!) after winning the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She made history becoming the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist ever, and in weightlifting.

What’s admirable about Hidilyn is how she shows the limitless bounds of what a woman can achieve. Outside her sport, she has shared in interviews that she wasn’t always confident about her muscular physique because it doesn’t fit the typical expectations of how women “should” look. But she embraced it all: her strength, her body, and her journey. And in doing so, she turned it into a powerful symbol of purpose and perseverance.

If you need that extra boost of confidence, remember to work hard but take care of yourself, too. Use Dove Radiant + Care Deodorant Serum: Even Tone + Dark Marks Reducer, which has 3 percent niacinamide and vitamins C & E, to help boost underarm skin radiance and reduce dark marks to keep your underarms radiant and even-toned while lifting and after.

Nesthy is the first Filipina athlete to score an Olympic silver medal in boxing and remains one of the most decorated athletes in the sport today. She learned boxing as a kid for self-defense and to help get her family out of poverty. Her first claim to fame was when she faced a male opponent at just 11 years old – and won. Literally, girl power!

What defines her is relentless persistence. Years of missed podiums and failed Olympic qualifiers didn’t break her spirit. As a queer woman in a male-dominated sport, she fights with quiet confidence and unshakable resilience. Because girl power requires muscle, but even more, it demands a mindset that refuses to quit.

Armed with Rexona Roll On Deodorant Powder Dry Brightening, you, too, can power through tough moments. This gives you long-lasting protection and powder-scented freshness to give you the confidence to get the job done – and win at it, too.

A SEA Games gold medalist and Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Margielyn turned heads not only with her tricks but with her infectious energy. She finished seventh in the women’s street final, smiling and giving a thumbs-up even after hard falls. In interviews, coaches often say her positivity helped lift Team Philippines’ spirit.

In a sport built on falling and getting back up, she proves that girl power is all about persistence and owning your true self. As a queer athlete proud of who she is, Margielyn flips expectations and rises brighter after every fall.

When you need to feel that same bounce-back energy, Dove Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash leaves you feeling fresh and renewed. Its lightweight, gentle formula hydrates your skin and washes away the sticky, sweaty feeling after a strenuous workout.

Don’t be fooled by her calm presence and five-foot frame – Islay is a straight-up powerhouse. A proud Igorot from Baguio, she’s the World No. 1 in Muay Thai and a history-maker: the first Filipina to win gold at the IFMA Senior World Championships.

In interviews, she’s shared about a permanent injury in her dominant wrist and even competing with a misaligned ankle. But her fighting spirit and girl power remain as fierce as ever, a drive she credits to her Igorot heritage and their palaban nature. Beneath her cool and collected demeanor, she’s a warrior who never backs down.

Finally, the Philippines now has rising star in tennis: Alex Eala. In 2025, she made headlines at the Miami Open by beating top players including former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and by reaching the semifinals. She also made history as the first Filipina to compete in Wimbledon’s main draw this season.

Besides her game, her attitude is what truly wins hearts. Known for her big smiles even after tough losses and for making time to connect with fans, she’s earned praise from opponents like Barbora Krejcikova and Jelena Ostapenko for her skill and sportsmanship. Plus, her emotional junior US Open finals speech, where she spoke in Filipino, was a proud celebration of her roots.

Tennis might not have been a sport Filipinos are known for – until Alex paved the way, inspiring a whole new generation of girls to pick up a racket and dream big.

Being a woman is never a hindrance in the world of games, nor does it mean you have to fit a certain mold of being a “sporty girl” or not embracing your feminine side. From weightlifting platforms to boxing rings, skate parks to Muay Thai mats, and tennis courts worldwide, Filipino athletes are rewriting the rules. These women are redefining strength, beauty, and confidence on their own terms – and you can, too.