DISPLAYING spunk and grit, Rose Jean Ramos prevailed in a riveting duel with Venezuela’s Kerlys Maria Montilla Madrid to bag two gold and one silver medals in the women’s 45-kilogram class of the IWF Youth World Championships in Leon, Mexico yesterday (Sunday in North America).
Ramos, 17, ruled the clean-and-jerk with a lift of 85 kilograms for a combined winning tally of 155 kilos, counting her 70 kilos in the snatch, where she placed second to Madrid, who took the mint with a lift 71 kilos.
Madrid had a pair of silvers with 82 kilos in the clean-and-jerk and 153kg for the combined lifts.
“I told coach Allen Diaz when Rose Jean won a silver in the snatch, losing to Madrid by just one kilo, to go all-out in the clean-and-jerk and she did it with a lift of 85 kilos!” exclaimed weightlifting chief Monico Puentevella in a message from Mexico.
Competing against 11 other entries, the Zamboanga City pride, a protege of Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidylin Diaz at her hometown gym in Barangay Mampang, hoisted 85 kilos on her third and last try in the clean-and-jerk.
Puentevella said Madrid tried to beat the Pinay lifter in the clean-and-jerk but failed to hoist 84 and 86 kilos, respectively, on her second and third attempts.
“To God be the glory. We’re on a roll. Two golds and one silver at the World Youth Championships here in Mexico. We’re beating the best in the world. Here we come, Paris (Olympics) 2024. We can do it. Mabuhay ang Pilipino,” said Puentevella.
He also thanked coach Diaz, the uncle of Hidylin, the Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation for supporting Ramos.
Puentevella said they are expected to arrive in Manila by Thursday.
