Photo credit: Philippine Olympic Committee

Three Filipino weightlifters have secured qualification for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Cebuano athlete Elreen Ann Ando punched her ticket to Paris after a stellar performance at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, where she finished seventh in the women’s 59 kg category.

Ando, a two-time silver medalist at the Asian Weightlifting Championships, showcased her strength by registering a total lift of 228 kgs, outshining compatriot Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo in the process. Diaz-Naranjo, the country’s first Olympic champion, expressed her dedication to the sport despite narrowly missing out on qualification.

Joining Ando in representing the Philippines in Paris are fellow Cebuano John Febuar Ceniza in the Men’s 61-kg category and Rosegie Ramos from Zamboanga City in the Women’s 49-kg category. Ceniza's impressive performance, ranking him fourth globally with a total lift of 300 kgs, reflects the country's growing prominence in international weightlifting competitions.

Ramos, positioned ninth in the rankings, showcased her prowess with a total lift of 190 kgs at the Asian Championships, solidifying her qualification for the Olympics.