Jeaneth Hipolito, considered as one of the country’s future bets in international meets, claimed a medal for the Philippines in the opener of the 2021 IWF Youth World Championships late Tuesday evening (Manila time).
The 14-year-old Hipolito settled for a bronze medal with a 52-kg lift in the snatch event of the girls’ division when Day 1 ended in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Her performance impressed Samahang Weighlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella, who believes that she will someday make it to the Olympics.
“She’s one of our future Olympians. With proper support and training, she’ll make it to future Olympics, too. She’s got the determination,” said Puentevella.
Hipolito lifted a final attempt of 52 kgs in the snatch, after carrying 48 kgs and 51 kgs in first and second tries.
A clean and jerk of 62 kgs brought her to a total of 114 kgs, placing Hipolito in fifth place overall in the tournament.
Turkey’s Ezgi Kilic swept the event with three gold medals after leading the snatch event with a lift of 55 kgs, followed by 70 kgs in the clean and jerk, and an overall of 125 kgs.
Colombia’s Lawren Sofia Estrada Velez settled for the silver with a lift of 118 kgs and a 53 kgs in the snatch for the silver.
Darly Marely Canto Colli (MEX) bagged the silver in the clean and jerk at 67 kgs, before she settled for the bronze with her 118-kg total.
Hipolito is in Jeddah with Adrian Cristobal and Albert Ian Delos Santos, who are entered in the men’s 55 and 61 kgs, respectively. Joining them are Rosejean Ramos (women’s 45 kgs), Christian Rodriguez (men’s 67 kgs) and Lovely Inan (women’s 49 kgs).
Cristobal, Delos Santos and Ramos are up next in Day 2 of the tournament.
The SWP is developing lifters who will someday follow the footsteps of Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz.
