Despite falling short of a podium finish in the women’s weightlifting 59kg division at the Paris Olympics, Elreen Ando remains steadfast in her pursuit of Olympic glory.
The determined athlete has her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she hopes to redeem herself and secure a medal for the Philippines.
“Mag-LA pa po ako. Saka kailangan ko pa rin talagang magsikap sa training. Kulang pa talaga ‘yung mga buhat ko para makamit natin ‘yung medal,” Ando said, reflecting on her need for continued hard work and perseverance in training.
Although she did not win a medal, Ando’s performance was still remarkable as she achieved two new national records.
With Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz watching from the sidelines, Ando successfully lifted 130kg in her final clean and jerk attempt, resulting in a total lift of 230kg. This surpassed her previous national records of 128kg in clean and jerk and 228kg in total lift.
“Sobrang proud ako sa sarili kong nakaya ko at naisip ko ring kailangan ko itong kunin para talaga sa bayan,” Ando said, expressing her pride in her accomplishments and dedication to her country. After her final attempt, Ando was consoled by Diaz, who has been a source of inspiration and support throughout her journey.
In the highly competitive 59kg weight class, it was Luo Shifang from the People’s Republic of China who claimed the gold medal with a total lift of 241kg, setting new Olympic records in both her total lift and individual snatch and clean and jerk lifts. Canada’s Maude Charron secured the silver medal with a total lift of 236kg, while Chinese Taipei’s Kuo Hsing-Chun took the bronze.
Ando’s determination to return to the Olympics is fueled by Diaz’s own Olympic journey. Diaz, who competed in four Olympic Games before winning the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has shown Ando the value of perseverance and resilience.
Ando expressed her appreciation to to the support she received from Diaz: “Thank you nang marami po, Ate [Hidilyn], sa support ninyo lalo na especially sa’yo. Masaya po akong nandito ka, nag-support sa’min. Maraming salamat po, Ate.”
