By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella is turning to a familiar world-class coach for another shot at bringing home medals for Team Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Puentevella said he is planning to tap the services of Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen — the very same mentor that hone 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz — to help oversee the preparations of Olympic-bound John Febuar Ceniza, Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno.
The long-time weightlifting chief is actually arranging plans for a month-long training for the three lifters in Chinese Taipei, where Gao is currently based.
“With all due respect to other coaches, but coach Gao understands Filipino characteristics. He is successful with Hidilyn and I believe in him,” said Puentevella during the PSA Forum on Tuesday, May 7.
A veteran in the sport, Gao has trained two Chinese Olympic gold medalists Zhou Lulu and Chen Xiexia before taking over Diaz’s training in 2018.
Puenvetella believes Gao’s expertise will help fine-tune the training of Olympic first-timers Ceniza and Sarno, and returning Ando.
A month-long training abroad is also beneficial for the three lifters as the Olympics looms.
“Maski one month lang na mag-training sila sa Chinese Taipei para maiba lang yung focus nila. Dito kasi sa Pinas, maraming distractions. We’re still negotiating and waiting for the answer from Chinese Taipei,” Puentevella said.
Puentevella is optimistic of the lifters’ chances not only in Paris, but also in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Even Ceniza, Ando and Sarno are excited and hopeful of their participation in the sports’ biggest sporting event slated July 26 to Aug. 11.
“Gusto kong i-break yung mentality na as a first-timer, exposure lang ang habol. Siyempre ang goal ko mag-medal sa Olympics,” said Sarno, who will compete in the women’s 71kg.
