CHONBURI, Thailand — The Philippine weightlifting team may have won just one gold in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games but the future is bright for Albert delos Santos, who nabbed a silver in the men’s 71-kilogram division.

The 19-year-old lifted 186 in the clean and jerk and a total of 324 to set a new juniors’ record in his SEA Games debut. He erased the old mark by one kilo that he himself set last October in the World Championships in Forde, Norway.

Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz has high praises for Delos Santos.

“‘He is the future (of Philippine weightlifting),” Diaz said.

Incidentally, Diaz and her husband, Julius Naranjo, are training Delos Santos in collaboration with his parents Diwa and Alvin.

Delos Santos said it was an honor to be called as such by Diaz since she is one of his influences on why he took up weightlifting in the first place.

“No pressure, I guess,” said Delos Santos, when told that Diaz described him as the future of Philippine weightlifting. “It’s really a lot coming from her. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve looked up to her.”

“To have an opportunity to train with her and her husband, with a collaboration with my mom and dad, it’s been a blessing and I’m very thankful for everything.”

Delos Santos did the lifts in the SEA Games after getting sick on his way to Thailand.

“This started back during our flight. I was already dizzy. I did throw up on the plane. Got here, got diarrhea. Training was okay but I had to manifest and adapt to everything,” Delos Santos said.

But thankfully, he got better in the days leading up to the actual competition and was able to achieve his goals for the SEA Games.

“Midway through clean and jerk, I was already cramping. But at least, I was 6-for-6. To be honest, I’m so proud at everything that I’ve achieved. A PR (personal record), 6-for-6, silver medal, it’s all a win. It’s all a win despite all the setbacks.”

“Not bad,” said the second-year college student at Universidad de Zamboanga taking up Business Administration of his SEA Games performance.

Delos Santos will be aiming to continue his strong performance next year with another busy slate.

“I know it’s a lot. Junior World Championships again, Asian Games, and Worlds. That’s what I’m looking forward to,” Delos Santos said.