Vanessa Sarno, fresh from finishing with three silver medals in the Asian championships in Korea, will follow the tried and tested route trekked by Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz.
This is the strong belief of Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella, who plans to recruit a Chinese coach for Sarno.
A couple of days ago in Jinju, South Korea, the 19-year-old Sarno totaled 239 kilograms after doing 107-kg in the snatch and 132-kg in the clean and jerk to end up with runner-up honors.
The stint likewise awarded Sarno precious points needed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Barring no obstacles, we now have the chance to field three lifters for the Paris Olympics. Sarno right now is considered rated No. 2 in the world. The Chinese gold medalist here is the world record holder for 71-kg,” Puentevella said.
“Sarno beat the other Chinese lifter. We are on track. However, we don’t stop here. Planning to have them train in China even for just a month. Or get a Chinese women’s coach for our girls,” he added.
Next up for Sarno, a native of Tagbilaran, Bohol, will be in the ongoing 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Aside from Diaz and Sarno, also worth watching is Erleen Ando, who completes the triple threat of Philippine weightlifting.
