Second-generation weightlifters shine for PH in Asian Youth Games

MANAMA, Bahrain – Jay-r Colonia was not even born yet when his father Gregorio represented the Philippines in weightlifting in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

Now, the 16-year-old is the one donning the national colors.

Colonia and fellow young weightlifters with famous last names — Princess Jay Ann and Alexsandra Ann Diaz — delivered for the Philippines’ cause in the Asian Youth Games, their performances adding luster to their families’ rich legacies in the sport.

“I like to lift because I enjoy it,” said the second-generation Colonia, whose cousin Nestor is also an Olympian and a former Asian champion.

Colonia bagged the clean and jerk bronze in the boys’ 56kg class, clearing 137kg to finish behind China’s Jiang Jinfu (141kg) and Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Nawaf Al Ojaian (138kg).

Princess Jay Ann and Alexsandra Ann, who are nieces of weightlifting heroine Hidilyn Diaz, also clinched the clean and jerk bronzes in the girls’ 44kg and 48kg divisions, respectively.

Their fathers are cousins of the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medalist, who built the weightlifting gym in Mampang, Zamboanga City, where they both train.

“We want to be like her, an Olympian,” said Princess Jay Ann when asked how big of an influence their aunt is to them.

Both placing fourth in the snatch portion, 17-year-old Princess Jay Ann and 14-year-old Alexsandra Anna got the job done in the clean and jerk, where they posted 77kg and 92kg, respectively, for a spot on the podium.

“I was not expecting to win a medal because my opponents are strong,” said Alexsandra Ann, who placed behind weightlifting powerhouses China and South Korea.

The weightlifting team captured a total of five medals, including a snatch silver and a clean and jerk bronze courtesy of Jhodie Peralta in the girls’ 53kg category.

Peralta, who also hails from Zamboanga like Colonia and the Diazes, fell short of the gold in snatch with 87kg then lifted 100kg in the clean and jerk. – Rappler.com