The nickname “Pipi Lata”, or “tin-can crusher,” is one that Carlo Paalam wears with pride.
It was bestowed upon the Filipino boxer by one of his early coaches, and two-time Olympian, Bobby Jalnaiz.
Not only does it portray Paalam’s power in the ring, but it also represents his difficult upbringing.
Growing up as the son of a bakery worker in Cagayan de Oro, the future Olympic silver medallist cobbled together a few dollars a day as a garbage scavenger.
He would also join weekly boxing matches at his local park to win some money to buy food for his family.
At nine years old, his raw talent was spotted by local sports officials, who offered him the chance to join a local boxing programme that provided athletes with a monthly allowance plus room and board. It was an opportunity that would change his and his family’s lives forever.
He was a quick learner. After joining the national team in 2013, he secured bronze medals in the 2016 AIBA Youth Asian Championships, the Youth World Championships, and the 2018 Asian Games.
That was followed by light flyweight gold at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games on home turf, propelling him to the big time in the Philippines.
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Despite this success, Paalam’s path to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was marked with the same hardship that had been a major part of his life to that point.
In fact, the 5-foot-4 pugilist only made it to the Games after several other qualifiers pulled out due to the pandemic.
But that didn’t bother the continental No. 2 fighter, who, aged 23, eased past his first two opponents before causing the shock of the tournament with a dominant quarter-finals win over Uzbekistan’s reigning Olympic, Asian and world champion, Shakhobidin Zoirov.
Using that momentum, Paalam booked his place in the flyweight final with a unanimous decision win over Japan’s Tanaka Ryomei, and he even received a good luck message on social media from Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
It wasn’t to be for Paalam, however, with his win streak finally snapped by Great Britain’s Galal Yafai on a split decision.
Paalam’s silver medal on his Olympic debut contributed to the best Olympic medal haul for the Philippines in history, alongside fellow boxers Hidilyn Diaz (gold), Nesthy Petecio (silver) and Eumir Marcial (bronze).
“This medal is very important in my life because I was a scavenger. I used to look for scraps, somehow this has a symbolism for me,” Paalam told reporters after, alluding to the Tokyo 2020 medals that were in part made from recycled scrap.
“This was made from worn-out gadgets, this somehow has a connection for me. I did not expect to win this.”
As a result of his success, Paalam's life leading to his Olympic medal became dramatised in an episode of popular Filipino TV show “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, where his character was played by CJ Navato.
Southeast Asian Games
Palaam already had an enviable boxing resume by the age of 23, but he wanted more.
Fuelled by his final loss at Tokyo 2020, he rebounded with bantamweight gold at the 2022 Asian Championships, followed by gold in the same weight division at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
"This was a good run, to be back in the SEA Games and complete the process, as I missed the last one because I took a break after the Olympics,” the 24-year-old told Olympics.com exclusively ringside in Phnom Penh.
"I feel comfortable in the 54kg category, but from now the focus is the Olympics and I need to bring my weight under 51kg for that before the Asian Games, which is the first Olympic qualifying meet.
"The feeling is great right now, with all the support that's been pouring in, especially from back in my hometown Cagayan de Oro. This is inspiring me to push on towards the Olympics and aim higher this time."
Paris 2024 and beyond
The road to Paris 2024 has been a hard one for Paalam once again.
He bravely fought through a shoulder injury at the first World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy before succumbing to it in the last-16 and retiring early.
He was just two wins away from securing his Olympic quota, and joining teammates Marcial, Petecio, and Aira Villegas for another shot at glory.
But hardship seems to bring out the best in Paalam.
At 25-years-old, he is already inspiring millions back home, and his best years in the ring may still be ahead of him.
Whether it’s at Paris 2024 or beyond, the “tin-can crusher's” desire is stronger than ever, and he seems destined for more glory.
