KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

The future of Philippine weightlifting looks bright after two lifters won a combined three gold medals in the IWF World Youth Championships in Durres, Albania over the weekend.

Prince Kiel Delos Santos ruled the men’s 49kg with a total lift of 205kg.

He also clinched the snatch gold with a lift of 92kg and came away with a silver medal in the clean and jerk with a 113kg, an event won by Eron Borres.

Borres raised 114kg in the clean and jerk but settled for silver overall with 201 kg and bronze in the snatch with 87kg.

“This is the future of PH weightlifting. The boys have finally arrived,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella.

“It’s always been the girls and the women. Now, we’re also fighting to be the world’s best even in the boys and men’s category.”

Weightlifting has put the country in the world map courtesy of Hidilyn Diaz, who won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Diaz also stamped her class in the world championships late last year.

The country also boasts of Tokyo Olympian and Asian Championships silver medalist Elreen Ando and Asian Junior champion in Rosegie Ramos.