November 28 ------ WEIGHTLIFTERS under the wing of Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and husband Julius shone in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Puerto Princesa. Adonis Ramos topped the boys 16 to 17 55kg category after a total lift of 185 kilograms, bearing fruit the training that he has undergone under the auspices of the weightlifting couple, who has built a gym in Jala-Jala, Rizal to train young athletes.
Carrying the banner of Rizal, Diaz-Naranjo’s athletes have already copped four golds, six silvers, and one bronze as of posting time. Maybell Riones (girls 12 to 13 35kg class), Reynadine Marie Jimenez (girls 12 to 13 40kg class), and Matthew Diaz (boys 12 to 13 43kg) were the other gold medalists. "I think being one of the youngest weightlifting grassroots programs for just two years, the children's progress has been significant. It shows the effort that Hidilyn and I are putting in this undertaking,” said Naranjo, who coached Diaz during her 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal run. “Hopefully, the 11-and-under will be back because we have strong lifters there. There were some successes but a lot of heartbreaks as well. But we aim to learn from them,” said Naranjo, who serves as the head coach of Rizal Province. “Malaking bagay ang training ko kila coach Hidilyn and Julius. Okay na rin ito kaysa walang makukuha (kundi) puro cellphone. Nakuha ko po ito through hardwork and perseverance so I believe I deserve to win this gold,” said Ramos.
Diaz-Naranjo is also happy with the growing number of participants in the Batang Pinoy, recalling that during her time when she was the lone athlete when she got a gold medal. “Nakakatuwa po na mula noong 2002 na una akong sumali at dahil mag-isa lang ako na kasali sa weight category ay ginto na agad ako,” said Diaz-Naranjo. “Ngayon ay marami na sumasali, lalo na sa mga kababaihan at madami na din category.”
Source: spin.ph
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