The Philippines made a golden start at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth and Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru, clinching five gold medals on Thursday, May 1.
Jay-R Colonia of Zamboanga City, competing in his first international event, secured two gold medals in the clean and jerk and total lifts, along with a silver in snatch, in the Youth men’s 49kg category.
Fellow Zamboangueña Alexsandra Ann Diaz also shone in the Youth women’s 45kg division, capturing golds in snatch and total, and a bronze in the clean and jerk.
Adding to the medal haul was Cebuana lifter Althea Bacaro, who ruled the snatch in the Youth women’s 40kg division to claim another gold. She also bagged a silver in total and a bronze in the clean and jerk.
Zamboanga’s Angeline Colonia earned a silver in snatch and a bronze in total in the Junior women’s 45kg category. She placed fourth in the clean and jerk.
Prince Keil Delos Santos of Angono, Rizal, finished just outside the podium in the Junior men’s 55kg category, placing fourth in both snatch and total, and sixth in clean and jerk.
“I’m thankful and proud to bring home a silver medal. My advice is to train with purpose, trust your coach, and believe in yourself. Discipline and consistency make all the difference,” said Bacaro, a Grade 8 student from the University of Cebu.
National coach Christopher Bureros commended Bacaro’s effort, noting her strong mindset and flawless technique as key to her success. He is in Peru with Zamboanga coaches Antonio Agustin, Gregorio Colonia, and Diwa Delos Santos.
“This is the future of Philippine weightlifting unfolding before our eyes,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella. “We are winning golds against powerhouse nations like China. We thank the PSC, MVP Group, SM, ICTSI, Ayala Land, the coaches, and parents for their support. Next stop, the LA Olympics!”
More Filipino lifters are set to compete next, including Rosalinda Faustino (Junior women’s 49kg), Jhodie Peralta (Youth/Junior women’s 55kg), and Albert Ian Delos Santos (Junior men’s 67kg).
The Youth division is open to athletes aged 13–17, while the Junior division includes those aged 15–20.
