By REY C. LACHICA
Like in the past two Olympic editions – 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and 2020 in Tokyo, Japan – Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella has refused to be swayed into promising the moon and stars for the coming Paris Games.
His ready but coy answers to a question as to what to expect this time from his wards – three of them – were in sharp contrast to his personality being a grizzled politician of Bacolod City.
But that was understandable. It’s better to be safe.
In a text message, Puentevella, 78, said: “Sarno (Vanessa) is No. 4 and John Ceniza is No. 5 in the world. Let God do the rest. No promises.”
The other member of the weightlifting team is Tokyo Games veteran Elreen Ando. All of them are still training in Germany.
In those occasions, Puentevella emerged the biggest winner – thanks largely to a super athlete in Hidilyn Diaz.
Like Joan of Arc, Diaz conquered the great odds and brought the country to the apex of success by winning the Olympic gold medal in the Tokyo Games, a feat that sparked a massive celebration nationwide.
The pride of Zambonga also became the first Filipina athlete to win a silver medal, achieving it during the Rio Games.
Puentevella’s parting message was: “As in Tokyo, we’ll give our best.”
It’s up to Ando, Sarno and Ceniza to carry out that mission against an expected formidable opposition in their respective divisions.
They are aching to emerge from the long shadow of Diaz after all.
