A young weightlifter from Tagbilaran, Bohol, Vanessa Sarno, has secured a spot to potentially represent the Philippines at the Paris Olympics after an impressive performance at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand. Sarno, who is considered the successor to Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, topped Group B in the women’s 71-kilogram division with a total lift of 245kg.
Her snatch of 110kg not only secured her victory in the competition but also broke the national record she previously set in Doha, Qatar. Sarno’s performance puts her in a strong position to join other Philippines athletes who have already qualified for the Paris Games, including John Febuar Ceniza and Elreen Ando.
Sarno is currently ranked fifth in her weight class with a best total lift of 249kg. If she maintains her position within the Top 10 at the end of the Phuket competition, she will earn a ticket to the Paris Olympics. The president of the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas, Monico Puentevella, expressed confidence in Sarno’s performance and hinted at the possibility of her winning a medal in Group A.
Other Filipino athletes who are set to compete in Paris include pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan, as well as boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas. Another weightlifter, Rosegie Ramos, is also awaiting the final tally in the women’s 49kg category, where she currently stands at 11th place.
