By el Amigo
MANILA – Albert Ian Delos Santos marked his 20th birthday with a record-setting performance, sweeping the gold medals in the Junior men’s 70kg division of the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday.
The Zamboanga City lifter dominated the competition after registering 141kg in the snatch and 180kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a 321kg total.
His 180kg clean and jerk and 321kg overall lift established new junior Asian and world records, adding to an already remarkable day for the Philippine delegation.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso was among those who congratulated Delos Santos, praising his consistent performances for the Philippines and his hometown.
Olaso said he has seen Delos Santos develop since they met in Thailand last year and pledged to continue supporting the athlete and his team.
The young weightlifter comes from a family with a strong sporting background. His parents, Alvin and Diwa Delos Santos, are former national athletes.
Rosalinda Faustino likewise added two bronze medals to the Philippine haul after placing third in the clean and jerk and total events of the junior women’s 57kg category.
With four days completed, Team Philippines has amassed 31 medals — 16 gold, six silver and nine bronze.
The country’s other medal winners include Jhodie Peralta, Alexsandra Ann Diaz, Jerick Icon Castro, Kirby Kent Alas-as, Prince Keil Delos Santos, Angeline Colonia, Althea Bacaro and Jay-r Colonia.
elamigo/xf
