Zamboanga city: Filipino weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos is aiming for a podium finish at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, following his record-breaking performance at the World Youth and Junior Championships in Norway on October 6.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 19-year-old Delos Santos set a world junior record by lifting 185 kg in the clean and jerk, finishing eighth in the men's 71 kg category. The young athlete expressed that this achievement was a long-held dream since his initial participation in the youth worlds in 2021. Delos Santos, whose parents Alvin and Diwa were national lifters, emphasized the significance of this milestone as a stepping stone for future successes.
In July, Delos Santos demonstrated his potential by winning gold in the clean and jerk and silver in the total at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Kazakhstan. He also claimed two golds and two silvers in the Youth and Junior men's 61 kg categories in India earlier this year. Despite a setback due to a back injury at the World Youth and Junior Championships in Peru, Delos Santos has made a full recovery, capturing the Juniors 67 kg title with a combined lift of 309 kg.
Delos Santos, who is currently studying financial management at Universidad de Zamboanga, is now focusing on the SEA Games. He acknowledged the necessity of proving himself at international competitions to secure a spot in the prestigious event. When asked about his chances of winning gold, Delos Santos expressed a strong desire to fulfill that dream.
His father, Alvin Delos Santos, takes great pride in his son's progress and record-breaking achievements. Alvin, a former top lifter in the Philippines, now coaches young athletes and believes in steady improvement over time.
In addition to Delos Santos' achievements, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella commended him and Olympian Elreen Ann Ando for their performances. Ando, from Cebu City, earned a bronze medal in the women's 63 kg category. Puentevella emphasized the importance of these accomplishments as stepping stones toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, expressing gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission and supporters from the private sector.
