Filipino weightlifter Elreen Ando has secured her place in the 2024 Paris Olympics for the women’s 59 kg weight division, causing fellow athlete Hidilyn Diaz to miss out on the Summer Games.
Ando clinched her spot after finishing with a combined lift of 228 kg (100 kg snatch, 128 kg clean and jerk) at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand, on April 3.
Despite Diaz having a higher ranking entering the World Cup, she fell short with a combined lift of 224 kg (99 kg snatch, 123 kg clean and jerk).
Expressing her elation, Ando told ABS-CBN News, “Ang daming kong na-sacrifice. Ang laki ng tiwala ko sa sarili ko,” highlighting the sacrifices made during her rigorous training.
Reportedly, Ando, a Cebu native, dedicated herself to training for four months, missing her mother’s death anniversary on March 8.
Diaz, who was aiming for her fifth Olympic appearance, expressed gratitude for the support she received despite missing out on the opportunity. “I’m always grateful,” she said. “Even today, I’m grateful that I have true friends. Kahit manalo, matalo, nandiyan kayo.”
Apart from Ando, other Filipino weightlifters who have secured spots in the Paris Olympics include John Ceniza in the men’s 61 kg category and Rosegie Ramos in the women’s 49 kg division.
Diaz made history as the first Filipino athlete, particularly the first woman, to secure a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the women’s 55 kg category.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.