Tashkent: Filipino weightlifter Althea Bacaro achieved significant success by securing two gold medals in the Youth women's 45kg division at the 2026 Asian Youth and Junior Championships held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 15-year-old athlete, who is currently a Grade 9 student at the University of Cebu, managed to place fourth in the snatch category with a lift of 63kg. However, she excelled in the clean and jerk, lifting 83kg to clinch the top position with a total of 146kg.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bacaro's accomplishment was celebrated by her coach, Christopher Bureros, who expressed pride and satisfaction with her victory. He highlighted the dedication and effort that both he and Bacaro invested in training, emphasizing that the win marked her first overall championship gold medal. Despite not traveling to Uzbekistan, Bureros continues to support his athletes, as he is currently preparing Olympian Elreen Ando for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.

In addition to Bacaro's triumph, Jay-R Colonia from Zamboanga City also showcased his talents in the Youth men's 55kg category. Colonia secured a bronze in the snatch with a lift of 108kg and went on to earn two silver medals in the clean and jerk by lifting 135kg, as well as in the total category with a combined weight of 243kg.

Bacaro's recent achievements follow her success at the World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia, where she won a silver in the clean and jerk (80kg) and a bronze in the total (140kg). Her performance at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru, also included a silver in total and a bronze in clean and jerk in the Youth women's 40kg category. The Youth division caters to athletes aged 13 to 17, while the Junior category is for those aged 15 to 20.