Ramos snares bronze in weightlifting world joust

MANILA, Philippines —  Rose Jean Ramos took the first significant step towards earning a ticket to the 2028 LA Olympics in picking up a bronze medal in the IWF World Championships at the Ningbo Olympic Center in China last Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Asian Championship silver winner and world youth champion pocketed the snatch bronze with an 86-kilogram lift in the women’s 49kg class, behind eventual gold and silver medalists Ri Song Gum of North Korea and Zhao Jinhong of China, both world champions.

The 29-year-old Ri, who won both the Worlds and Asian Games thrice, swept all three golds in total (211kg), snatch (92kg) and clean and jerk (119kg) while the 25-year-old Zhao grabbed all three silvers with a total lift of 207kg from 91kg snatch and 116kg clean and jerk.

Ramos, whose campaign is being bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission, was fifth in total lift with a 181kg.

Ramos’ effort earned her Olympic qualifier ranking points. She hopes to make the LA Games and chase the same honors delivered by fellow Zamboanga City native Hidilyn Diaz in Tokyo five years ago.

Elreen Ando, who will see action in the women’s 61kg, is also eyeing a spot in LA, which, if ever, would be her third Olympic stint.

Also shooting for the stars are Ramos’ sister Rosegie (53kg), Albert Ian delos Santos (men’s 70kg) and Kristel Macrohon (women’s 69kg).