Alexandra Diaz delivers 3-gold, 2-record performance at World Youth Championships

Alexandra Ann Diaz, niece of Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, flaunted its championship pedigree as she snared all three women’s 48-kilogram division gold medals and two world records in the Youth Weightlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia, July 6.

Diaz swept all golds in clean and jerk, snatch, and total where she lifted 98kg, 77kg, and 175kg, respectively.

The 15-year-old also set new record fears in clean and jerk and total lifts, with the previous standard being 97kg and 173 kg.

Fellow Filipino Jay-R Colonia also secured a medal haul of his own with a men’s 56-kg division clean and jerk gold medal, and two silvers in the snatch and total lift.

Notching a silver clean-and-jerk medal and a bronze medal in total was Althea Bacaro who completed the Nationals’ opening-day conquest for glory.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella commended the young weightlifter bets, adding that the competition serves as preparation for upcoming perennial events such as the Asian Games and the Olympics.

“This is where it all starts. In preparation for the Asian Games and ultimately, the Olympics. We compete against the best in the world,” said Puentevella.