A new generation of Filipino weightlifters is lifting national hopes sky-high as the country sets its sights on Olympic success in Los Angeles 2028.
Following a stellar showing at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth and Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella expressed confidence in the Philippines’ rising talents.
“We’re seeing the next generation of champions,” Puentevella said. “These young athletes are making waves internationally. People abroad are already saying we’ll win gold again in Los Angeles.”
Among the brightest stars was Ian Albert de los Santos, an 18-year-old standout from Universidad de Zamboanga, who clinched gold in the men’s 67kg youth division. De los Santos shocked the field by defeating 20-year-old Chinese favorite Yang Jinwen, lifting 51kg more than his previous best despite recently recovering from a back injury.
“Everyone’s talking about Ian’s lift,” Puentevella noted. “We want to see another Olympic gold for the Philippines.” De los Santos, already a former world champion at 61kg, is trained by Julius Naranjo, husband and coach of Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo.
Joining him in the medal tally was Alexsandra Ann Diaz of Zamboanga City, who captured two gold medals in the women’s 45kg snatch and total categories, along with a bronze in clean and jerk. Another standout was Althea Bacaro of Cebu, who brought home a gold medal in the women’s 40kg youth category. Meanwhile, Angeline Colonia, also from Zamboanga City, secured a silver in snatch and a bronze in total in the women’s 45kg junior division.
The Philippine delegation’s success was even more significant as the country matched weightlifting powerhouse China with five gold medals each, signaling a potential shift in the sport’s global power dynamics.
“These performances show we’re on the right track,” said Puentevella. “We just need more exposure to international competitions, and we’ll be ready for the Olympics.”