Llena bags powerlifting title

MANILA, Philippines - Patricia Llena made quite an impression in the 2009 World Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships, beating three-time world champion Talybova Yana of Russia to capture the crown in Sao Paolo, Brazil recently.

The 15-year-old Llena, an honor student from San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, bagged three gold medals and one bronze as she dazzled the crowd with her power and class, lifting 170kgs in the squat, 80kgs in the bench press and 170kgs in the deadlift to win the crown with a 420kg-effort.

She defeated Kendra Miller of the US and Yana, who settled for 405kg lifts each. The American lifter, however, took the runner-up honors by virtue of a lighter bodyweight.

Aside from her US and Russian rivals, Llena also outclassed bets from Canada, Japan and host Brazil.

Llena is actually a newcomer and lone entry from the Philippines in the world powerlifting tilt for 14-18 years old lifters and has not competed in any regional powerlifting events since she started last year.

Coach and father Leonard Llena said training, determination and hardwork were key to his daughter’s success.