PRIDE OF ZAMBOANGA CITY. Rose Jean Ramos stands on the podium during the awarding ceremony of the International Weightlifting Federation Grand Prix II in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday (Dec. 5, 2023). She bagged three silver medals in the women's 45kg category. (Screenshot from YouTube)
MANILA – The Philippines kicked off its campaign at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Grand Prix II with three silver medals courtesy of Rose Jean Ramos in the women's 45kg category on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).
The 18-year-old pride of Zamboanga City had a total lift of 155kgs -- 70kgs in snatch and 85kgs in the clean and jerk.
The gold medals went to Won Hyon Sim of South Korea, who registered a total lift of 181kgs (82-99).
"Unang-una po, nagpapasalamat po ako kay Lord dahil hindi niya kami iniwan ng ate ko (Rosegie). Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa mga coaches at team ko po dahil palagi silang adiyan para sa akin, sinusuportahan nila kami (First of all, I thank the Lord because he did not leave my sister [Rosegie] and me. I am also thankful to my coaches and team because they are always there for me, they support us)," Ramos told the Philippine News Agency after the competition.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella was happy with the results.
"When our kids go out to represent the country in the international field, we always look forward to gaining medals or they don’t go. It’s as simple as that. We do not want to waste government money. This is our task. This tourney is a qualifier for the Paris Olympics next year. Second to the last. But our main goal here is not just winning medals. Qualifying for the Olympics is our priority and so far, so good. By the end of this Grand Prix, we’ll know our chances and it looks good for now,"the former Philippine Sports Commission commissioner said.
"Thanks to PSC, SM Group, MVPSF, the parents, our SWP Board, and the coaches. To God be the Glory. This is just the first day. Hopefully, more to come. Better Christmas for our kids," Puentevella added.
Ramos, who joined the national training pool in 2018, won the World Youth Weightlifting Championships twice.
Last year in Mexico, she bagged the gold medals in clean and jerk (85kgs) and total (155kgs) and the silver in snatch (70kgs).
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2021, she ruled the snatch (67kgs), placed second in the clean and jerk (80kgs) and had the best total (147kgs).
Ramos, who studies at Mampang National High School, has been training with national coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz for the past seven years. (PNA)
