Metro Manila, Philippines — There are different battles that athletes have to face.
Aside from competing in their respective sports, they also have to overcome the hurdles when things go awry.
Here’s a look into the controversies in Philippine sports in 2024:
Outside shooting
PBA player John Amores was once again in the headlines for the wrong reason when he and his brother figured in a shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna last September, two years after his infamous on-court punching spree in the NCAA.
Local police said the beleaguered cager — seen riding a motorcycle with his brother in a security camera video — fired a gun at a man in Barangay Maytalang Uno after a heated argument with an opponent in a basketball pickup game.
No one was harmed and the firearm used by Amores was not recovered.
Amores and his brother have surrendered to authorities and are currently out on bail while their case is being heard at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Lumban, Laguna.
Family feud
Carlos Yulo had the biggest impact among local athletes this year following a historic stint at the Paris Olympics.
The gymnast star captured two gold medals in the men’s floor and vault, becoming the first Filipino to win multiple medals in a single Summer Games.
But his golden feat was overshadowed by a rift involving him and his loved ones.
Yulo’s mother, Angelica, reportedly accused his girlfriend Chloe San Jose of straining her relationship with her son ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Yulo addressed some of the points raised by his mother and defended San Jose.
READ: To report or not Carlos Yulo's family feud
Yulo said he has already forgiven his mother despite what happened, while Angelica said some of the issues should have been dealt with in private.
Uniform snafu
Dottie Ardina, in a social media post, vented her frustrations over a uniform issue that became a hot topic while she was competing in the women’s single golf event at the Paris Olympics.
Ardina said their competition gears did not arrive and the alternatives provided did not fit her, and teammate Bianca Pagdangana either, or were not in compliance with the standards of the International Olympic Committee.
Ardina and Pagdanganan ended up using their own plain shirts and patched the Philippine flag using double sided tape during the competition.
Ardina landed on 13th place in a five-way tie, while Pagdanganan settled at fourth in a four-way tie which was the highest finish ever for a Filipino golfer in the Olympics.
Homecoming snub
The country welcomed the Paris Olympians in a Heroes' Grand Homecoming Parade with joy and pride.
But the delegation was without female gymnasts Levi Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan, and Emma Malabuyo.
Ruivivar cleared the air on her absence, saying she wished she could have attended but unfortunately was never presented with the opportunity to join by officials.
Finnegan and Malabuyo also said they wanted to go but they were not informed of the event.
Spitgate
Emotions ran high when the De La Salle University Green Archers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons met for the first time in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.
The tension reached its peak in the third quarter when UP’s Reyland Torres alleged Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson spat on his shoulder while he walked past him on the sidelines.
Benches from both teams were almost cleared as coaching staff charged at each other midcourt.
La Salle went on to beat the Fighting Maroons, 68-56, to keep the top spot at the end of the first round.