Filipino North American athletes have achieved impressive success in several sports, ranging from basketball to swimming and even speed skating, for years. They bring pride to the global Filipino community as they represent a unique blend of Filipino resilience and North American spirit. Here are five Filipino North American athletes that you should know about.
J.R. Celski
J.R. Celski is a Filipino-American short-track speed skater and he has captured the hearts of fans because of his speed, resilience, and pure skill. He became a three-time Olympic winner and won several other medals such as the 1500m and 5000m relay events at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. However, he faced a serious injury in 2009 but has made a comeback where he competed in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. His accomplishments made him one of the most prominent Filipino-American athletes in winter sports, a field that’s not given enough attention by the Filipino Community.
Alex Pagulayan
Alex Pagulayan, known as “The Lion” is a Filipino-Canadian pool player who is often celebrated for his achievements in nine-ball and snooker. He was born in the Philippines but raised in Canada where he won championships such as the WPA World Nine-Ball Championship. He can commonly be seen with a relaxed attitude which contrasts his skillful plays, making him a fan favorite. Up to this day, he is a formidable figure in the world of billiards and has cemented his legacy as one of the best Filipino players in the international pool scene.
Camryn Bynum
Camryn Bynum is a safety for the Minnesota Vikings and has made waves in the NFL after he was drafted in the fourth round in 2021. He was born in California and eventually became a player for the University of California, Berkeley where he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He’s regarded to have strong tackling and defensive skills which earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. Although it’s not present in his name, he’s proud of his Filipino heritage through his mother’s roots and even celebrated his marriage in 2023 in the Philippines.
Lee Kiefer
Lee Kiefer is an American fencer with Filipino roots and is also considered to be one of the most decorated athletes in U.S. fencing history. She’s become a legend and is well-known for her precision and agility. She made history after winning the first-ever gold medal for the U.S. in women’s individual foil at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and again in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kiefer has slowly become a symbol of excellence and sheds new light on Filipino potential when it comes to fencing.
Kayla Sanchez
Kayla Sanchez, a swimmer of Filipino-Canadian descent, represented Canada in several international competitions including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and several World Champions, winning medals along the way. She was born to Filipino parents and is feared for her incredible gift when it comes to freestyle and individual medley events. In 2023, she began competing for the Philippines bringing honor to her roots and lending her skill and talent to Southeast Asia. She’s one of the few Filipino North American athletes who switched to represent the Philippines and has become an icon for budding professional swimmers in the country.
