Diaz vies in World Junior liftfest

MANILA, Philippines - Hidilyn Diaz vies in the 2011 World Junior Weightlifting Championships with weightlifting officials thrilled over the medal prospects of the Filipino Olympian in the event slated June 29-July 7 in Penang, Malaysia.

Diaz, 20, is among the top three lifters out of 17 entries in the 58-kg class, carrying a listed total lift of 210 kgs behind China’s Deng Wei (220 kgs) and North Korea’s Jo Pok Hyang (215 kgs).

“Hidilyn is in good condition and she stands a big chance of winning a medal since she’s third in the ranking and has a 15-kilo advantage over the No. 4 (Eda Cakal of Turkey),” coach Greg Colonia said in Filipino.

“The No. 2 Korean is only 5 kilos ahead and we feel Hidilyn can catch up and contend for the silver. And being a fighter, she may even make a run at the gold in the clean and jerk,” Colonia added.

Zamboanga pride Diaz actually lifted 215 kgs already when she dominated the recent POC-PSC National Games in Bacolod City. Her snatch (95kgs), jerk (120kgs) and total (215 kgs) are all standing Phl records in the women’s open division and junior (18-20) category.

Diaz will be joined in the world meet by Nestor Colonia, who will vie in the men’s 56-kg class.

With a listed lift of 240 kgs, the young Colonia is ranked 12th out of 25 entries. But his most recent effort of 251 kgs in the PNG would be good for eighth based on the competitors’ records.

“Nestor has now fully recovered from his recent ankle injury and we’re confident he can even fight for a medal in the jerk, where he can do 145 kgs,” Colonia said.

In junior competitions, medals are awarded separately in the snatch, jerk, and total lift.