Elreen Ando Leads Philippine Weightlifting Triumph at Southeast Asian Games

CHONBURI — With Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz off the podium this time, Elreen Ando stepped up as the standout performer for Philippine weightlifting at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Just weeks after winning a bronze in the clean and jerk at the World Championships in Norway, Ando dominated the women's 63-kilogram division on Monday at the Chonburi Sports School.

Supported enthusiastically by Diaz and her teammates, Ando lifted 102 kg in the snatch and 127 kg in the clean and jerk, comfortably surpassing her closest rivals by at least 10 kilograms. Vietnam’s Thuy Thun Tien Nguyen and Thailand’s Thanaporn Saetia trailed with totals of 219 kg and 218 kg, respectively.

Diaz, who finished fourth in the women’s 58 kg category on Sunday, played a pivotal role as Ando’s chief supporter, visibly nervous before Ando secured her final successful lift. The two athletes later shared the podium during the victory ceremony, with Diaz attending as a member of the International Weightlifting Federation executive board.

Complementing Ando’s victory was the impressive silver medal performance of 19-year-old Albert Ian delos Santos in the men’s 71 kg event last Sunday. Delos Santos set a new world junior record by lifting 186 kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a combined total of 324 kg — finishing second only to Thailand’s world champion Weeraphon Wichama, who totaled 347 kg.

Recognized by Diaz as the "future of Philippine weightlifting," delos Santos expressed gratitude for the support and training he receives from his parents, fellow lifters, and Diaz’s husband. "No pressure, I guess. But, yeah, it’s really a lot coming from her," delos Santos said. "Ever since I was a kid I’ve looked up to her and to have the opportunity to train with her and her husband, in a collaboration with my Mom and Dad, it’s really a blessing."