John Ceniza says he fought through injury in Paris Olympics exit

John Febuar Ceniza of the Philippines competes during the men’s 61kg weightlifting event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

MANILA, Philippines—John Ceniza revealed he competed with a shoulder injury that affected his performance in the men’s -61kg weightlifting at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Ceniza registered a “Did Not Finish” and suffered an early exit in his campaign after failing in all three attempts at 125kg of the snatch at South Paris Arena.

READ: John Ceniza suffers early exit in Paris Olympics weightlifting

“Mahirap mag-compete ng ‘di pa naka-recover pero nag-compete ako para sa Pilipinas. Lumaban pa rin ako kahit may injury,” told Ceniza with One Sports.

(It’s hard to compete without having fully recovered but I still did it for the Philippines. I still fought despite having an injury.)

“‘Yong adrenaline ko kanina sobrang taas pero mas nanguna pa yung sakit ng injury ko kahit anong focus ko di ko ma-control ‘yong sakit. Kahit naitaas na, biglang lumiliko balikat ko kaya hindi ko mai-control.”

(My adrenaline was so high but the pain of my injury was just too much and I couldn’t control it no matter how much I focused. I couldn’t control my shoulders from swaying during my lifts.)

READ: Sarno, Ceniza to change narrative on rookie Olympians come Paris

The 26-year-old Ceniza was visibly emotional and was quick to apologize after his Olympic debut came to an abrupt end.

“Pasensiya po sa lahat ng Pilipino na nabigo ko ngayong Olympics pero pagsikapan ko para mag-qualify ulit sa next olympics.”

(I apologize to all Filipinos who I’ve failed in these Olympics. I will work harder to qualify again.)

Two more Filipino weightlifters in Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno are set to begin their bid in the Paris Olympics.