Rising weightlifting sensation Vanessa Sarno secures her spot at the Paris Olympics after an impressive performance in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in Phuket, Thailand.
The 20-year-old athlete shattered her national record, lifting 110kg in snatch and 135kg in clean and jerk, totaling 245kg.
This achievement places her fifth in the tournament and solidifies her position in the top 10 of the IWF Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR).
With Sarno’s qualification, the Philippines will have its largest weightlifting contingent in almost four decades, joining John Ceniza and Elreen Ando in Paris.
The last time the Philippines had three weightlifters in a single Olympics was in the 1988 Seoul Games. Additionally, Rosegie Ramos aims to join Sarno, awaiting final qualification rankings.
Other Filipino athletes who have secured Olympic spots include pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan, and boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 9, 2024
