Teófilo Yldefonso
Awards & Honours
3
Awards Won
3
Honours
3
Records
Teófilo Yldefonso's achievements were historic firsts for the Philippines and Southeast Asia. He was the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal, the first to win multiple, and remains the only Filipino to win back-to-back Olympic medals. His revolutionary breaststroke technique earned him international recognition as the "Father of the Modern Breaststroke," and his wartime sacrifice has made him a lasting symbol of national pride.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
International Swimming Hall of Fame
Inducted as a Pioneer for his contributions to swimming.
Philippine Sports Hall of Fame
Inducted for his Olympic achievements.
Walls of the Missing
Name inscribed at the Manila American Cemetery.
Records & Feats
First Filipino Olympic medalist
Won bronze in 200m breaststroke at 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.
First Filipino to win multiple Olympic medals
Won bronze again in 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.
Only Filipino to win back-to-back Olympic medals
No other Filipino athlete has won medals in consecutive Olympics.