Aldrin Colonia won two gold medals and a silver medal in the youth men’s 49-kg category to banner the Philippines’ campaign on the first day of the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships on Friday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha, Qatar.

The nephew of 1988 Seoul Olympics weightlifter Gregorio Colonia clinched a gold medal in the clean-and-jerk after lifting 114 kilograms and another mint after a total lift of 213 kgs.

Colonia picked up a silver medal in the snatch with a lift of 95 kgs.

Erron Borres also won a gold medal in the same category after lifting 97 kgs in the snatch.

In the youth women’s 40-kg category, Althea Bacaro picked up two silver medals and a bronze medal.

Bacaro grabbed her silver medals in the snatch after lifting 55 kgs and a total lift of 128 kgs while lifting 73 kgs in the clean-and-jerk for the bronze.

Princess Diaz also clinched a bronze in the snatch in the same weight category after lifting 53 kgs.

Alexsandra Diaz picked up two bronze medals in the youth women’s 45-kg event after lifting 65 kgs in the snatch and 148 kgs in the total lift.

Angeline Colonia also did well in the junior women’s 45-kg category, winning a silver after lifting 157 kgs and a bronze in the snatch after lifting 72 kgs.

Rose Jean Ramos also clinched a medal in the same category after lifting 73 kgs in the snatch.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella this competition is also a way for them to prove themselves for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

“This is actually their tryout for Los Angeles 2028,” Puentevella said.

“Four years from now, some of these kids will have their time. This is the first step of a thousand miles. Future Olympians start here.”