Make way for Team Philippines weightlifters

PARIS – The three-strong weightlifting team is about to enter the Philippine camp past the halfway mark of the 2024 Olympics, carrying a big pressure to deliver on the heels of Hidilyn Diaz’ feat in Tokyo.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella is rightfully tempering the expectation.

Puentevella said John Ceniza, Vanessa Sarno and Elreen Ando will be in Paris to fight but they’re actually still going through the process by which they should really be medal contenders by 2028 in Los Angeles.

Ceniza is 26, Ando is 25 while Sarno is 20.

“Hinog at panlaban ‘yan sa LA Olympics,” said Puentevella.

Nonetheless, Puentevella isn’t ruling out the possibility of his wards snaring a Paris medal.

“Nasa kanila ‘yan, kailangan ipakita nilang palaban sila,” said the SWP chief.

The presence of Diaz during the competition time could be helpful. The country’s first Olympic gold medal winner in Tokyo is expected here as a guest as a member of the International Weightlifting Federation Athletes Commission.

She may be in the competition hall as Ceniza competes in the men’s 61kg on Aug. 7, Ando in women’s 59kg on Aug. 8 and Sarno in women’s 71kg on Aug. 9.

The Philippine bets are plunging into battle equipped with training in Metz, France and Saarbrücken, Germany.