Born: 1948 (Philippines)
Biography:
Olivia Bong Coo, born on June 3, 1948, is a Filipino sports administrator and retired professional bowler. She has earned the distinction of being the most decorated Filipino athlete. Throughout her career, Coo represented the Philippine national team and showcased her exceptional talent and dedication, accumulating an impressive total of 78 medals in regional and world competitions. Among these, 37 were gold medals, highlighting her unparalleled expertise in the sport.
Coo’s remarkable achievements include being a four-time world champion, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest bowlers of her time. Her outstanding contributions to the sport led to her induction into the esteemed World Bowling Hall of Fame and the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as a pioneer and trailblazer in the world of bowling.
In addition, Coo holds the distinction of being the first Filipino athlete to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records on two separate occasions. Her exceptional skill and determination have allowed her to claim a staggering 137 championship titles throughout her career. Notably, she secured at least one Masters title for an impressive 28 consecutive years, underscoring her consistency and mastery over the game.
Coo’s accomplishments have earned her widespread recognition and accolades. Her induction into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 stands as a testament to her remarkable career and lasting impact on the sport. Moreover, in February 2022, the Philippine Postal Corporation honored her with a stamp as part of the Outstanding Filipinos Living Legends series, commemorating the agency’s 75th anniversary of its inaugural stamp.
Beyond domestic recognition, Coo’s remarkable talent has also garnered international acclaim. She was named one of the Greatest International Bowlers of All-Time by the esteemed Bowlers Journal International in their November 2013 100-year anniversary issue. Furthermore, in September 2004, Bowlers Journal International named her one of the Top 24 International Bowlers of All-Time, further solidifying her status as an icon in the world of bowling.
Coo’s contributions to the sporting community extend beyond her achievements on the lanes. On July 20, 2022, she was appointed as a commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) by President Bongbong Marcos, after previously serving as the Officer-in-Charge of PSC. This appointment reflects her dedication to promoting and developing sports in the Philippines and her enduring impact on the nation’s athletic landscape.
Early life laid the foundation for Coo’s successful career. She married at the age of 17 in 1965 but separated four years later, raising two sons on her own. During her time in high school at St. Scholastica College, Coo exhibited her athletic prowess, participating in volleyball and softball. However, it was bowling that she discovered as a therapeutic sport at the age of 21 following her separation.
In 1969, Coo’s talent caught the attention of national team scouts, who encouraged her to try out for the bowling team. Impressed by her skills, Coo was accepted onto the team and promptly made her mark, winning her first gold medal at the 1970 Asian Zone Championships in Singapore. Her success continued two years later when she secured an impressive five out of six gold medals at the 1972 Asian Zone Championships in Malaysia, establishing herself as a rising star in the sport.
Coo’s dedication to mastering her craft took her abroad, where she spent six months in Toronto, Canada, visiting relatives. During her stay, she seized the opportunity to compete against American male bowlers in match-play pot games in New York. This experience not only sharpened her skills but also ignited a greater passion for the sport, propelling her to take her training more seriously upon returning to the Philippines. Determined to improve, Coo enlisted the expertise of Madoka Amano, a Japanese coach, who helped her train more effectively and refine her technique.
A pivotal moment in Coo’s career came during the Asian Games in 1978. Her exceptional performance led her to win every gold medal except one, solidifying her status as an elite athlete in the region. Her accomplishments caught the attention of Assemblyman Jose Puyat, the owner of numerous bowling alleys, who recognized her talent by offering her a monetary reward of $10,000 and a lifetime of free bowling. Additionally, Pablo Carlos, the team’s manager and Toyota dealer, presented her with a Corona as a token of recognition and gratitude.
Bong Coo’s indelible impact on the sport of bowling and her lasting legacy as a pioneering figure in Filipino athletics are testaments to her talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her numerous accolades and unwavering commitment to the sport have left an undeniable mark on both national and international platforms, cementing her as one of the most influential figures in women’s history and sports history as a whole.
Awards:
– Guinness Book of World Records (twice)
– World Bowling Hall of Fame
– Philippine Sports Hall of Fame
– Philippine Sports Hall of Fame induction (2019)
– Outstanding Filipinos Living Legends stamp (Philippine Postal Corporation, 2022)
– Named one of the Greatest International Bowlers of All-Time (Bowlers Journal International, November 2013 100-year anniversary issue)
– Named one of the Top 24 International Bowlers of All-Time (Bowlers Journal International, September 2004)
– Appointed as a commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) by President Bongbong Marcos (2022)