FILIPINO weightlifting standout Albert Delos Santos announced his arrival on the world stage in emphatic fashion, breaking the junior world record in the clean and jerk at the IWF World Junior Championships in Ismailia, Egypt.
The 19-year-old lifter hoisted 187 kilograms (kg) in the clean and jerk to set a new benchmark in the men’s 71-kg division, eclipsing his own previous record of 185 kg.
That lift powered Delos Santos to the gold medal with a dominant total of 326 kg, firmly establishing himself as one of the brightest young prospects in international weightlifting.
Delos Santos’ latest feat continues a steady rise in form over the past year. He first made waves after capturing a silver medal in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where he lifted 186 kg in the same category — then a record-breaking effort at the time.
Just months later, he reset the junior world mark at the IWF World Championships in Peru before surpassing it once more in Egypt.
Hailing from Zamboanga, Delos Santos trains under the guidance of Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist, and her husband and coach Julius Naranjo at the HD Weightlifting Academy in Rizal.
Under their mentorship, he has developed into a technically sound and mentally composed competitor capable of delivering on the biggest stage.
With his record-breaking performance and gold-medal finish, Delos Santos not only reinforces the Philippines’ growing reputation in weightlifting but also signals a promising future as he continues to chase bigger titles in the senior ranks.
NICOLE ANNE BUGAUISAN
