PHOTOS: Tom Welland’s Instagram / @tom_welland1
In the world of sports, basketball and boxing are considered the epitome of popularity in the Philippines. The mention of boxing alone evokes shared memories among Filipinos. It’s remarkable how even on weekends, the streets seem empty when there’s a major international match featuring a Filipino boxer. Families, friends, and neighbors gather in a room, fixated on the TV screen, cheering and sitting on the edge of their seats throughout every round, eagerly awaiting the moment when the boxing belt finds its rightful owner. The rich history of legendary boxers and underdog success stories makes it even more thrilling to witness the rise of young talents like Tom Welland.
Tom Welland, an amateur boxer from England, stands out as an athlete who is poised to make history. Born to a British father and a Filipino mother, this 18-year-old prodigy has set his sights on a specific goal: to bring home the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in boxing. Welland’s journey began in West Ham, East London, where he embarked on his amateur boxing career. He vividly describes the fierce competition at West Ham, where everyone sought to be the top boxer. Survival was the name of the game, and if you couldn’t keep up, you were quickly pushed aside. Welland’s dedication to his craft is evident as he recounts having ten fights in ten weeks in three different countries, competing internationally at a young age.
Welland’s achievements are remarkable. As a three-time national champion and five-time international champion, his track record speaks for itself. He has competed in various locations such as the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland, gaining valuable experience along the way. However, despite his success, Welland and his team feel that he has been overlooked by England. His father, Glenn Welland, expresses his disappointment with the lack of support from England, questioning why his son hasn’t received closer attention in the past. But with every challenge comes an opportunity, and Tom’s coach, Sab Leo, sees this as a chance for global recognition and experience.
In a significant turn of events, Welland has joined the Philippine Olympic squad, leaving behind his family and friends in the United Kingdom. He expresses gratitude to the Filipinos for giving him the opportunity he felt was lacking in England. Although he considers Britain his home, he now proudly holds dual citizenship as a British and Filipino citizen. Welland embraces his Filipino roots, even sharing that he grew up eating Filipino cuisine.
Looking ahead, Welland is determined to compete in the Asian Games in September 2023. This event serves as a crucial stepping stone towards his ultimate dream of becoming an Olympian. Qualifying for the Olympics in Paris 2024 would allow him to compete against the best fighters in the world, solidifying his place in boxing history.
As Tom embarks on this challenging journey, he carries the unwavering support of his mother, Mary Welland. Although she acknowledges the sadness of not being present to witness his accomplishments firsthand, she believes wholeheartedly that he will fulfill his dreams.
The Philippines has seen remarkable achievements in the sport of boxing, with notable boxers like José Villanueva, Leopoldo Serantes, Roel Velasco, and Eumir Marcial winning medals in previous Olympic games. Tom Welland now holds the potential to break records as a talented Fil-Brit Gen Z athlete.
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