LEON, Mexico — The future of Philippine weightlifting continues to shine on the world stage. Rising star Albert Delos Santos delivered a masterful performance to secure the overall gold medal in the men’s 71kg category at the 2026 IWF World Junior Championships.
His victory adds another prestigious title to the Philippines’ growing collection of international weightlifting accolades, further establishing the nation as a powerhouse in the lower and middle-weight divisions.
Delos Santos showcased exceptional form and mental toughness throughout the competition, outlifting a field of top-tier international competitors from traditional weightlifting hubs like China and Kazakhstan.
- The Snatch: He set the tone early by securing a silver medal in the snatch, successfully clearing 140kg.
- The Clean & Jerk: The Filipino lifter truly separated himself from the pack in the second half of the event, hoisting a massive 175kg to take the gold in this discipline.
- The Total: With a combined total of 315kg, Delos Santos comfortably claimed the overall gold medal, standing atop the podium as the world’s best junior lifter in the 71kg class.
The win by Delos Santos is being hailed by the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) as a testament to the country’s deep talent pool. Training under the guidance of world-class coaches, Delos Santos has been vocal about his inspiration: the success of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and fellow rising stars like Vanessa Sarno.
“This win is for every young Filipino lifter dreaming of the podium,” Delos Santos said in a post-match interview. “The hard work in the gym pays off when you see the flag being raised.”
With this World Junior title under his belt, Delos Santos is now expected to transition into more senior-level international competitions. Analysts believe his current totals already put him within striking distance of the podium in continental championships and potentially the next Olympic cycle.
His performance in Mexico serves as a significant momentum builder for the Philippine national team as they prepare for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and other qualifying events.