As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the Philippine weightlifting community has received exciting news. 20-year-old rising star Vanessa Sarno broke the Philippine women’s 71kg snatch record with a lift of 110kg at the 2024 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in Thailand, demonstrating her remarkable strength and potential. This performance not only secured her Olympic qualification but also filled the Philippine weightlifting community with anticipation for the upcoming Olympics.
Philippine Representatives for the Paris Olympics
Vanessa Sarno – Women’s 71kg Category
- Olympic Ranking: 4th
- Snatch: 110kg (2024)
- Clean and Jerk: 141kg (2023)
- Total: 249kg (2023)
Vanessa Sarno is a rising star in Philippine weightlifting. At just 20 years old, she has already made her mark on the international stage, showing extraordinary potential. In 2023, she performed exceptionally well in several major competitions, including winning gold at the Southeast Asian Games. Sarno’s technique is superb, particularly in the snatch event. Her goal is to win a medal for the Philippines at the Paris Olympics, continuing the glorious achievement of Hidilyn Diaz at the Tokyo Olympics.
John Ceniza – Men’s 61kg Category
- Olympic Ranking: 8th
- Snatch: 131kg (2023)
- Clean and Jerk: 169kg (2023)
- Total: 297kg (2023)
26-year-old Ceniza is a key figure in Philippine men’s weightlifting. He demonstrated his strength and potential by winning a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Championships. Ceniza is known for his consistent performance and excellent mental fortitude, making him a crucial member of the Philippine weightlifting team. His goal is to surpass his personal best at the Paris Olympics and bring honor to the Philippines.
Elreen Ando – Women’s 59kg Category
- Olympic Ranking: 11th
- Snatch: 100kg (2021)
- Clean and Jerk: 122kg (2021)
- Total: 222kg (2021)
At 25, Ando is already an experienced athlete, having competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has consistently performed well in various international competitions and is known for her well-rounded technique. Ando’s goal is to improve upon her seventh-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics and secure a better ranking for the Philippines in Paris.
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Main Competitors
Men
Li Fabin (China) – 61kg Category
Li Fabin is the gold medalist in the 61kg category from the Tokyo Olympics and holds multiple world records. He is known for his precise and quick movements, and formidable strength. At the 2024 IWF World Cup, Li Fabin once again demonstrated his dominance by setting a new world record with a lift of 146kg. He will undoubtedly be one of Ceniza’s biggest competitors.
Shi Zhiyong (China) – 73kg Category
Shi Zhiyong is a two-time Olympic champion in the 73kg category and has broken world records multiple times. His technique is comprehensive, and his mental strength is outstanding, making him the undisputed ruler of this weight class. Although his category differs from the Philippine athletes, his performance will undoubtedly serve as a model for all weightlifters to learn from.
Women
Kuo Hsing-Chun (Chinese Taipei) – 59kg Category
Kuo Hsing-Chun is the Olympic champion and world record holder in the 59kg category. She combines strength and technique with extensive competition experience. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she won the gold medal with a total of 236kg, setting an Olympic record. Kuo will be one of Ando’s strongest opponents.
Loredana Toma (Romania) – 71kg Category
Toma is a multiple-time world championship gold medalist with outstanding performances in the 71kg category. Her movements are stable, and her performance has been improving in recent years. At the 2022 World Championships, she won gold with a total of 256kg (119kg snatch, 137kg clean and jerk). Toma will be Sarno’s main competitor in the 71kg category.
Conclusion
As the Olympics approach, these Philippine athletes are intensifying their training, hoping to achieve great results in Paris. They face challenges from strong competitors worldwide but are also full of confidence and determination. Regardless of the final outcome, their fighting spirit and tireless efforts deserve our applause. Let’s look forward to their spectacular performances on the Olympic stage!
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