Hidilyn niece scores treble in world meet

MANILA, Philippines — There is something in Tokyo Olympics gold medal winner Hidilyn Diaz’s blood that ticks.

Alexandra Ann Diaz showed a touch of her aunt in sweeping three golds – two in record-setting fashion – in the 48-kilogram class in the World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia yesterday.

The 15-year-old 2025 Bahrain Asian Youth Games bronze winner from Zamboanga City was in total control with triumphant lifts in snatch, clean and jerk and total where she had 77kg, 98kg and 175kg, respectively.

She set new world records in clean and jerk and total lift, eclipsing the old marks of 97kg and 173kg.

Making it a four-gold haul for Team Philippines on opening day was Jay-R Colonia’s golden exploit in the men’s 56kg clean and jerk with a 140kg.

Colonia, who also snared a bronze in Bahrain like Diaz, added two silvers in the snatch and total lift with 109kg and 249kg, respectively.

Althea Bacaro was the other Filipina who saw action the same day and chipped in a silver in clean and jerk with an 80kg and a bronze in total with a 140kg in the women’s 44kg section.

“This is where it all starts,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella.

Expect the gold rush to continue as Asian Youth Games silver and bronze medalist Jhodie Peralta (53kg), Rhianne Cabalida (69kg), Jea Mae Palagtiwm(77kg) and Kirby Kent Alas-as (60kg) plunge into action.