The Philippine weightlifting team may have secured just one gold in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, but the future looks bright for Albert Delos Santos, who claimed a silver in the men’s 71kg division.
The 19-year-old lifted 186 kilograms in the clean and jerk for a total of 324, setting a new juniors’ record in his SEA Games debut. He surpassed the previous mark by one kilo—the record he himself set last October at the World Championships in Forde, Norway.
Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz has high praise for Delos Santos.
“‘Yan ang future (ng Philippine weightlifting),” said Diaz.
Diaz, along with her husband Julius Naranjo, is training Delos Santos in collaboration with his parents, Diwa and Alvin.
Delos Santos said it was an honor to be recognized by Diaz, whom he credits as one of his key inspirations for taking up weightlifting.
“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, in collaboration with my mom and dad, it’s been a blessing, and I’m very thankful for everything,” he added.
Delos Santos achieved his SEA Games lifts despite falling ill on his way to Thailand.
“This started back sa eroplano. 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,” he recalled.
Thankfully, he recovered in the days leading up to the competition and was able to meet his goals.
“Midway through clean and jerk, I was already cramping. But at least, I was 6-for-6. To be honest, I’m so proud of 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 Business Administration student at Universidad de Zamboanga, reflecting on his SEA Games performance.
Delos Santos now aims to continue his strong form next year with a busy schedule ahead.
“I know it’s a lot—Junior World Championships again, Asian Games, and Worlds. That’s what I’m looking forward to,” he said.
