Another weightlifter joins the ranks for the Paris Games.
After sending two competitors to the quadrennial spectacle in Tokyo, the Philippines made sure to equal its representation in the sport, with John Ceniza officially securing his ticket to this year’s Games.
The 2020 IWF World Cup bronze medalist clinched his spot by tallying a total of exactly 300 kg, finishing fourth in this year’s event in Phuket, Thailand.
Ceniza follows in the footsteps of fellow athlete Rosegie Ramos, marking the first time since Nestor Colonia in the 2016 Rio Olympics that the Philippines has sent a male weightlifter to the Games.
Ceniza, the 26-year-old standout from Cebu City, entered the World Cup ranked sixth in the Qualification Rankings.
His best total of 298 kg was achieved at the IWF Grand Prix II in Doha, Qatar, last year.
As Tokyo Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz prepares to compete on Wednesday, she aims to emulate the success of Ramos and Ceniza, potentially securing an unprecedented fifth consecutive Olympic appearance.
Vanessa Sarno, an Asian Junior champion, also awaits her chance to shine.
In addition to Ramos, Ceniza joins pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Alleah Finnegan, and boxers Eumir Marcial, Aira Villegas, and Nesthy Petecio in Team Philippines’ Olympic Centenary squad.
