Sarno unsure to vie in Asiad

MANILA, Philippines — Two-time SEA Games gold medalist Vanessa Sarno is nursing a left elbow strain that knocked her out of contention at the recent World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh and while she’s determined to compete in the coming Hangzhou Asian Games, there is the possibility of withdrawing from the competition on Sept. 30-Oct. 7.

Sarno, who turns 20 on Sept. 28, will leave with the Philippine weightlifting team for Hangzhou on Wednesday but isn’t sure whether or not to compete. At the moment, her training is reduced to squats and deadlifts, unable to snatch or clean and jerk. The problem is her left elbow can’t lock in without pain. She’s staying in shape in case the pain subsides and her elbow is back to normal. What Sarno wants is not to jeopardize her Olympic dream.

“Sabi ni Sir Monico, huwag ko na pilitin sa Asian Games at ‘di naman Olympic qualifier,” said Sarno referring to Samahang Weightlifting Ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella. “Focus ko is to qualify for Paris.” In the event Sarno withdraws, another Philippine bet Kristel Macrohon will take center stage in the 76kg category.

In Hangzhou weightlifting, there are seven weight divisions for men from 61kg to over 109kg and seven for women from 49kg to over 87kg. Sarno is entered in 76kg, an unfamiliar weight. Since 2018, she has competed exclusively in the 71kg category. In Paris, the women’s divisions are 49kg, 59kg, 71kg, 81kg and +81kg so Sarno will be comfortable in her usual class. It’s different in the Asian Games where if she competes, Sarno will be up against bigger lifters used to carrying a heavier load. Bulking up to 76kg is a chore and besides, Sarno would rather stay at 71kg to align with her Olympic goal.

Sarno is now ranked World No. 8 in the 71kg division and the top 10 will qualify for Paris. She has three more Olympic qualifiers to join in booking her ticket to Paris – IWF Grand Prix on Dec 2-12 in Doha, Asian Championships on Feb. 20-27 in Uzbekistan and IWF World Cup on April 2-11 in Thailand. The reckoning period for qualification started in August last year and ends on April 28. Each weight division will welcome 12 athletes.