The Filipino athletes participating in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have been consistently bringing pride to the nation.

One of them is Hergie Bacyadan, who has gained attention on social media for being a strong figure in the world of sports, particularly as a queer Indigenous athlete.

Discover more about his journey and what makes him one of the most admirable athletes to keep an eye on in this gallery.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Hergie Bacyadan

Hergie Bacyadan is a 29-year-old Filipino transgender male boxer and Olympic athlete.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Indigenous roots

Hergie Bacyadan, a Filipino athlete, is an Igorot from Tabuk, Kalinga, where he developed an interest in sports.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Gender identity

In an interview with Preview, Hergie Bacyadan said that his Kalinga tribe accepted his gender identity as he wore traditional men’s clothes such as the bahag.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Martial Arts

Hergie Bacyadan began his journey into combat sports, specifically martial arts. He used to be a member of the Philippine Wushu team.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Boxing

Despite his extensive background in martial arts, Hergie Bacyadan also dedicated himself to pursuing his passion for boxing.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Paris Olympics 2024

Hergie Bacyadan is one of the Filipino athletes who competed in the Paris Olympics 2024.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Fight back

Hergie Bacyadan’s exit from the Paris Olympics in 2024 marks the start of an exciting new phase. Despite his defeat by Li Qian of China in the round of 16 of the women’s 75 kg division, he remains determined to continue competing.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Fitness

For Hergie Bacyadan, maintaining good health and fitness is essential as an athlete. On his Instagram account, Hergie regularly shared videos of his dedicated workouts and fitness routines.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Husband

Hergie Bacyadan is happily married to his wife, Lady Denily Digo, a talented content creator and former banker. A Utah county conducted a unique online ceremony in 2022 to celebrate the couple’s union. This county had started offering virtual wedding ceremonies to accommodate international couples during the pandemic. They later arranged another wedding with their loved ones.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Outreach

The Filipino athlete is committed to participating in outreach programs in addition to his passion for boxing. Recently, Hergie Bacyadan marked his birthday by spending time with some less privileged children in Rizal province.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Trans at heart

In an interview before the 2024 Paris Olympics, Hergie Bacyadan revealed that he achieved his masculine physique without the use of hormones or supplements.

 

“I am trans at heart, but I did not take any hormones or steroids to look like a man. This is my natural build that I have worked on for 10 years. If I compete in the women’s division, I don’t think there’s an issue,” he said.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Pogi

Hergie Bacyadan also became an internet crush as some of his handsome photos circulated online.

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Photo by: hergiebacyadan (Instagram)

Proud LGBT member

“Ang kasarian ko babae pero ang puso’t isip ko lalaki,” Hergie Bacyadan said in an interview.