Sugboanons, let’s raise our Filipino & Cebuano pride as Elreen Ando and John Febuar Ceniza both won in weightlifting!
Elreen Ando
Elreen Ando finished strong in the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, yesterday, April 3, 2024, Wednesday.
Ando won the 100 kg Snatch and 128 kg Clean & Jerk, bringing her total to 228kg. This led her to 7th place and increased her chances of being in the top 10 Olympic Qualification Ranking.
The Philippine Olympic Committee also confirmed Elreen Ando’s place in the Paris competition: “A thrilling win for Ando in the 59 kg category! Let’s give a round of applause to Hidilyn Diaz as well for her unwavering competitive spirit and sportsmanship. Mabuhay kayo! Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!,” stated the organization on social media.
John Febuar Ceniza
John Febuar Ceniza, a University of Cebu Webmasters athlete, finished fourth place in the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, last April 2, 2024, Tuesday.
A Barangay, Pasil, Cebu City, Ceniza resident marked a historic finish in the stacked men’s 61 kg division against 28 other competitors. He completed 168 kg of Clean & Jerk and 132 kg of Snatch for a total lift of 300 kg, placing him in fourth place.
Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo
On the other hand, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the first ever Philippine Olympic gold medalist, missed her mark in the competition with her combined lift of 224kg against Ando and the others. Hidilyn has a 99kg Snatch and 123kg Clean & Jerk, which were 2kg off from her best lift last year in Saudi Arabia.
Despite her step down, Diaz was thankful as she says, “Thank you for supporting me … I’m always grateful. Even today, I’m grateful that I have true friends. Kahit manalo, matalo, nandiyan kayo. Maraming salamat sa prayers and support.”
As we celebrate these achievements, let us continue to support and uplift our local talents, nurturing a culture of excellence within our community. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Sugboanon!
