Kate Diaz won the Philippines’ first medal in the 2019 Arafura Games after capturing the silver honor in the women’s weightlifting competitions, Saturday morning at the Darwin Convention Centre.
The 15-year-old Diaz lifted 115 kilograms after tallying 50 kilograms in the snatch and 65 kilograms in the clean and jerk in the women’s 45kg division. She gave the country a silver in Day 1 of the Philippine campaign here supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Standard Insurance.
Shi Yue Shan of Chinese Taipei won the gold after lifting 120 kilograms following a 53 in the snatch and 67 in the clean and jerk.
Diaz said it was a learning experience for her, as she fell short of gold after failing to lift 70 kilograms in her second and third attempt in the clean and jerk.
“Siguro, may reason si God na ginawa niya ito, para hindi ako ‘yung parang… may kumpiyansa lang na manalo. Hindi kesyo ito lang, ‘yan na lang, hindi ka na magpo-focus. Natutunan ko talaga na kahit anong mangyari, nandoon ‘yung focus at hindi mawawala sa concentration,” said Diaz, who is eyeing a stint in this year’s Southeast Asian Games.
Diaz and Shi competed for the gold after around 30 weightlifters from across all weight categories failed to compete for not submitting the Anti-Doping Administration and Management Systems (ADAMS), a document now required by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
Athletes from athletics and swimming are still competing for a medal as of press time.
Meanwhile, the Philippine muay team will see action on Sunday at the Darwin Convention Centre with Jenelyn Olsim opening the squad’s campaign in the senior female elite A -54kg semifinals.
Phillip Delarmino and Ryan Jakiri will also compete in the men’s -57kg and -63kg respectively, while Ariel Lampacan will battle in the -54kg division in the next few days.
National coach Billy Alumno said the Arafura Games muay competition is a qualifier for the 2021 World Games. Gold medalists in the -57kg and -63kg class will automatically clinch a berth.
