In a dazzling display, Vanessa Sarno has virtually guaranteed her spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a stellar performance in the women’s 71kg category at the IWF World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand on Sunday.
Sarno, the 20-year-old Asian champion from Tagbiliran City, solidified her Olympic aspirations by finishing fifth overall in Group B.
Her remarkable total lift of 245 kilograms stole the spotlight, particularly her national record-setting snatch of 110kg.
This accomplishment surpassed her previous mark of 108kg set at the IWF World Cup in Doha, Qatar last year.
Additionally, she demonstrated her prowess in the clean & jerk, posting an impressive 135kg.
As the competition intensified in Group A, American athlete Olivia Reeves emerged as the victor with a total lift of 268kg, outshining formidable competitors such as world record holder Liao Guifang of China and North Korea’s Song Kuk Hyang.
Sarno’s outstanding performance in Phuket has positioned her as the latest Filipino qualifier for the Paris Olympics.
With her best performance of 249kg in Doha securing her fifth place in the Olympic qualification rankings, she joins a growing roster of Filipino athletes who have booked their tickets to Paris.
The Philippine weightlifting team now boasts three Olympic qualifiers, with Elreen Ando and John Ceniza securing seats in the women’s 59kg and men’s 61kg categories, respectively.
Among other Filipino athletes who have earned their spots in Paris are boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas, gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
