Albert Delos Santos claimed silver in the men’s 71kg division at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Chonburi, signaling a bright future for Philippine weightlifting. The 19-year-old lifted 186 kilograms in the clean and jerk for a total of 324, setting a new junior SEA Games record. He surpassed his own mark from last October’s World Championships in Forde, Norway, proving his consistency and potential on the international stage.

Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz praised Delos Santos, calling him “the future” of Philippine weightlifting. The young lifter trains under Diaz and her husband Julius Naranjo, in collaboration with his parents, Diwa and Alvin. This mentorship has guided his development and given him the confidence to perform under pressure.

Overcoming illness and setbacks

Delos Santos battled sickness on the way to Thailand, experiencing dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea, yet he managed to recover in time for the competition. “This started back sa eroplano. I was already dizzy. I did throw up on the plane. Got here, got diarrhea. Training was okay but I had to manifest and adapt to everything,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he executed all six of his lifts successfully, even while cramping midway through the clean and jerk. “Midway through clean and jerk, I was already cramping. But at least, I was 6-for-6. To be honest, I’m so proud at everything that I’ve achieved. A PR, 6-for-6, silver medal, it’s all a win despite all the setbacks,” Delos Santos added. His perseverance turned potential disaster into a memorable SEA Games performance.

Mentorship and inspiration

Delos Santos said it was an honor to be called “the future” by Diaz, who inspired him to take up weightlifting in the first place. “No pressure, I guess. It’s really a lot coming from her. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve looked up to her. To have an opportunity to train with her and her husband, with a collaboration with my mom and dad, it’s been a blessing and I’m very thankful for everything,” he said.

His story is one of resilience and support, showing how mentorship and family guidance can shape young athletes. The combination of world-class guidance and personal dedication allowed him to rise above challenges and deliver an exceptional performance on the SEA Games stage.

Looking ahead

The second-year Business Administration student at Universidad de Zamboanga is already preparing for a busy 2026 schedule. He will compete in the Junior World Championships, Asian Games, and World Championships, aiming to build on his SEA Games success and continue his rise in international weightlifting.

With his current trajectory, Delos Santos is poised to become a key figure in Philippine weightlifting for years to come. His SEA Games journey serves as a testament to talent, hard work, and the support system that nurtures champions.