PSC assistance to lifters bears fruit

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine weightlifting team did not waste any of the national government’s funds released through the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), using it as inspiration to win three golds and three bronze medals at the Roma Weightlifting World Cup held in Pala Pellicone in Rome, Italy.

The PSC spent P2.2 million for the airfare, accommodation, allowance and other related expenses of the seven athletes and four officials, who vied in the Rome competition, apart from the P1.7 million budget for Olympian Hidilyn Diaz’ core team.

“This is an Olympic qualifying tournament for our national weightlifters. Walang dahilan para hindi natin sila bigyan ng full support,” said PSC chairman William Ramirez.

Diaz, a silver medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, spearheaded the Philippines’ campaign after sweeping the three golds in the women’s 55kg class last Tuesday.

Diaz won gold medals broken down into 93kg in the snatch, 119kg in clean and jerk and 212kg in total.

She now ranks No. 4 in the world, which boosted her chances to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

Meanwhile, another Zamboanga City lifter, Kristel Macrohon, added to the country’s medal haul after winning two bronze medals in the women’s 71kg class, which came from the clean and jerk (115kg) and from the total (209kg).

Macrohon, a gold medalist in the last SEA Games, aired some regrets after finishing third.

“Nanghihinayang po ako kasi sa SEA Games po 123kg na po yung binuhat ko sa clean and jerk, ngayon po bumaba pa. Pero thankful pa rin po ako dahil umabot po ako sa podium.” said Macrohon.

However, the 23-year-old lifter was inspired because of her teammates, including fellow Zamboanga native Diaz, who swept the women’s 55kg class.

“Nagbibigay po talaga sa akin ng motivation yung mga teammates ko po. Yung hirap at sakripisyo naming lahat sa training. At higit sa lahat, iniisip ko po na para sa bayan ito,” she said.