The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) celebrated Rosegie Ramos’ silver medals in the women’s 49-kilogram category of the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, China last Friday.
SWP president Monico Puentevella said Ramos may have failed to land the gold but she outdueled her Chinese foe after posting 90 kgs in snatch, and 107 kgs in clean and jerk for a total lift of 197 kgs.
On the other hand, Xiang Linxiang of China, the 20-year-old gold medalist snatch of the World Weightlifting Championship last year, settled for three bronze medals after she lifted 86 kgs in snatch and 103 kgs in clean and jerk for a total of 189 kgs.
It was Thanyathon Sukcharoen of Thailand who ruled the event with 91 kgs in snatch and 109 kgs in clean and jerk for a total lift of 200 kgs.
“What is more significant here is Rosegie finishing above the Chinese lifter. They used to be the best in the world and we have beaten them twice,” Puentevella said.
“One in Peru and now in China’s own home ground. We must be doing something right.”
There were two other instances the Philippines bested the Chinese in weightlifting.
The first was back in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 where Hidilyn Diaz won the gold medal in the women’s 55-kg event over Liao Quiyun.
Then, Albert Ian delos Santos beat Yang Jinwen in the IWF World Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, Peru recently.