Young lifters eye Peruvian world meet

The Philippine weightlifting team is set to compete at the IWF World Youth and Junior Championships in Peru from 30 April to 5 May.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella said the gold medalists of the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Doha last December will be given priority.

Jhodie Peralta won two gold medals for the Philippines in the youth women’s 55-kilogram category after lifting 84 kgs in the snatch and a total lift of 184 kgs.

Aldrin Colonia won a gold in the clean-and-jerk after lifting 114 kilograms and another mint after a total lift of 213 kgs in the youth men’s 49-kg category while Errol Borres took the gold in the snatch with a lift of 95 kgs.

“The coaching staff is still discussing it but those who had good performances in Qatar will join,” Puentevella said.

“They may be few but the gold medalists will join.”

Despite not being able to win golds in the Asian tilt, Prince Kiel delos Santos has the potential to compete in Peru after clinching three silver medals in the youth men’s 55-kg category.

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