Hidilyn Diaz hails Albert Ian delos Santos as future of Philippine weightlifting following SEA Games silver

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) officially kicked off in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 9, with the Philippines sending one of its largest contingents ever — a 1,600-strong delegation competing across multiple sports.

Among the standout athletes is young weightlifter Albert Ian delos Santos, who has already made a name for himself on the regional stage. Delos Santos lifted 186 kilograms in the clean and jerk in the men’s 71kg class, claiming the silver medal at the Chonburi Sports School on Sunday, December 15.

At just 19 years old, Delos Santos not only secured a podium finish on his SEA Games debut but also set a new junior world record, surpassing the mark he set earlier this year at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Peru. He finished the event with a total of 324 kg.

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His remarkable performance has earned high praise from Filipino weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz, who called Delos Santos the “future of Philippine weightlifting.” Delos Santos trains under Diaz and her husband-coach Julius Naranjo at the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jala-jala, Rizal.

Albert Ian Delos Santos reset his world junior record with a lift of 186kgs during his third and final attempt in clean and jerk in yesterday’s silver finish in the men’s 71kg.

He had a lift of 185kgs two months ago in the World Championships. #SEAGames2025 | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/rJhX7PFwRX

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 15, 2025

“It’s really a lot coming from her. Ever since I was a kid, I have looked up to her. And to have an opportunity to train with her and her husband, with the collaboration with my mom and dad, it’s been a blessing. I’m very thankful for everything,” Delos Santos said in a media interaction.

Delos Santos’ silver medal also marked the Philippines’ first weightlifting medal in the ongoing SEA Games, with previous hopes resting on Diaz (women’s 58kg), Rosegie Ramos (women’s 48kg), and Jhodie Peralta (women’s 53kg), all of whom failed to reach the podium.

“I wanted to lift the team some way or another. Seeing them, I want to do better for them. I’m not doing this for myself, I want to do this for them. I love my team. We win as one. I just wanted to do it for them,” he added.

Delos Santos also revealed that he didn’t enter the competition aiming to break a world record and had to overcome illness leading up to the event, as well as cramps during the clean-and-jerk portion.

“In future competitions, I know how to trust myself. I’m a different person when it comes to training and competition. That’s a good reassurance,” the 19-year-old concluded, signaling that his SEA Games debut is only the beginning of what promises to be a stellar career.

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