By MARK REY MONTEJO
Rosegie Ramos, another sporting pride of Zamboanga City, is heading to Paris.
Ramos became the seventh Filipino and the first weightlifter to qualify to the 2024 Olympics slated July 26 to Aug. 11.
This was confirmed by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino after the 19-year-old Ramos won the gold medal in the women’s 49-kilogram Group B division of the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, on Monday, April 1
Ramos lifted 87kgs in the snatch and 103 kgs in clean and jerk for a total of 190 kgs – enough to edge out Mexican Ferrer Lopez (187) and Indonesian Chanu Saikhom Mirabai (184).
Ramos has reportedly met the qualifying standards after barging in the top 10 in her category. Before the event started, she was ranked No. 9.
Only the top 10 lifters will earn a quota place through the IWF Olympic Qualification Ranking tournaments for the period of Aug. 1, 2022 to April 28 this year.
Other PH bets competing in the event are Tokyo Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Kristel Macrohon, Lovely Inan, John Febuar Ceniza, Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno.
Diaz, ranked No. 9 in her category, is expected to formalize her entry in the Paris Games.
Ramos will be joining early qualifiers in pole vaulter EJ Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.
