PH weightlifters in high spirits ahead of Olympics | ABS-CBN

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PH weightlifters in high spirits ahead of Olympics

PH weightlifters in high spirits ahead of Olympics

Rick Olivares

 | 

Updated Jul 31, 2016 12:20 PM PHT

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Hidilyn Diaz during practice yesterday. Photo provided by author

RIO DE JANEIRO – With the opening of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics less than a week away, Philippine weightlifters Nestor Colonia and Hidilyn Diaz, fully adjusted to the time zone and having gotten back into the swing of training, were satisfied with their progress as they left Pavilion 2 of the Riocenter Convention Center.

“Maganda ang training today,” enthused the Colonia, a 25-year-old from Zamboanga City who is taking part in his first Olympics. “Konti na lang.”

The 5-foot-2 Colonia who also serves in the Philippine Air Force as an Airman second class had ease lifting 120 kg in the snatch and 150 kg in the clean and jerk where he has a personal best of 124 kg and 158 kg for a combined lift of 282 kg.

“Malaking bagay yung magandang mga practice kasi tumataas yung kumpiyansa,” said Colonia, whose target for the competition is 290 kg or anything higher. Should he succeed he gets a shot at a medal.

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Colonia is ranked No. 4 in the world in the 56 kg division.

Three-time Olympian Diaz is feeling much better now after battling a week-long dry cough. And adding to her high spirits are her good training sessions.

“I’m happy with today’s training,” said the 25-year-old Diaz, who also hails from Zamboanga like Colonia and their head coach, Alfonsito Aldanete.

The 5-foot tall Diaz was successful with 85 kg in the snatch during training. A few platforms away was her rival from South Korea.

“Nagtitinginan kami. Alam ko nasa 85 (kg) din siya kanina,” observed Diaz.

Diaz is looking for redemption after a not-so-successful outing during the 2012 London Olympics. “Kailangan bumawi hindi lang para sa bayan at para na rin sa akin. Kailangan ko patunayan sarili ko na kaya ko yung ganitong level ng competition."

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)

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