Kristel Macrohon and Vanessa Sarno posted strong results to cap off the Philippines’ campaign in the 2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championships Tuesday morning (Manila time).
Macrohon topped the women’s 71-kilogram Group B after a 104 kgs lift in snatch, 128 kgs in the clean-and-jerk for a total lift of 232 kgs.
Asian champion Sarno was fourth in the group after lifting 99 kgs in snatch, 125 kgs in the clean-and-jerk for a total of 224 kgs.
Despite the great showing of the two lifters, they will not be qualified for a podium finish as both lifters are not included in the Group A of the weight category.
Loredana Toma of Romania already claimed the top prize of the women’s 71-kg with a total of 256 kgs.
Still, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella was ecstatic that his wards were able to get some qualification points needed for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He also said the Philippines is the fifth-best performing country in the tournament after Hidilyn Diaz claimed three gold medals in the snatch, clean-and-jerk and the total lift in the women’s 55-kg category.
“I’m happy because we are here to get points and I’m sure Vanessa and Macrohon got their points for the Paris Olympics. I’m sure these two will get to qualify for the Olympics,” Puentevella said.
“We are No. 5 country here because of their performance so I’m really happy here.”
Elreen Ando wasn’t able to complete her clean-and-jerk in the women’s 59-kg, forcing her to retire in the tournament.
Nestor Colonia placed seventh overall in the men’s 59-kg with a total lift of 243 kgs while John Cezina was in 10th place in the men’s 61-kg after after a 280 kgs effort.
Lovely Inan placed 13th in the women’s 49-kg event following a total lift of 178 kgs while Rosegie Ramos was at 17th in the same category with a 170 kgs.
Dave Pacaldo was 18th in the men’s 67-kg division after lifting a total of 290 kgs.
Puentevella said the lifters will fly back to the Philippines on 16 December except for Diaz, who will return to the country five days later.
He said while they can spend their break to recharge and rest, he will allow his lifters to train during the holidays if they must.
“They will go home on 16 December. ‘Hidi’ goes home on 21 December because she wants to train in the United States and I allowed her because she deserves it for what she did here in the World Championships,” Puentevella said.
“All of them will be able to rest. Those who want to win and improve can train at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.”
