SWP seeking Gao’s help for lifters

MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella knows it would take a world-class coach for Paris-bound Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Ceniza to have a better shot at an Olympic medal.

That is why he is sending his lifters to the very person who helped Hidilyn Diaz capture the country’s historic Tokyo Olympics mint – Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen.

“Coach Gao is coaching Taipei, I would like them to try training there for a month, waiting for the answer of Taipei baka tanggapin nila,” said Puentevella during yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“I want these three to focus there, dito kasi marami distraction, sa Taipei focus na sila maski isang buwan kasi they have to be in Paris by June,” he added.

Gao, of course, was Diaz’ long-time coach and was the biggest reason the latter delivered the country’s historic gold in the quadrennial games.

And that is also the reason why Puentevella may try to convince Gao to move back to the country to coach the national squad.