Ramos clinches ‘much-needed’ podium finish in Bahrain

FILE–The Philippines’ Rosegie Ramos competes in the women’s 49kg weightlifting competition during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)

Rosegie Ramos, the 21-year-old weightlifter from Zamboanga City, found redemption at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Bahrain, securing two bronze medals just months after her Paris Olympic dreams slipped away.

“This podium finish is a reminder that whatever difficulties you went through, your family, the people who believe and support you, and God will help you recover,” Ramos, a many-time member of the national team, said in Filipino following her achievement.

Significant comeback

Ramos lifted a combined total of 193-kilograms in the women’s 49kg category, with 88kg in the snatch and 107kg in the clean and jerk. She claimed third place in the snatch, finishing behind China’s Xiang Linxiang (92kg) and North Korea’s Ri Song-gum (91kg). Her total lift also earned her another bronze medal, trailing Ri’s 213kg and Xiang’s 212kg.

READ: Weightlifter Rosegie Ramos books Paris Olympics berth

The achievement marked a significant comeback for Ramos, who had narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics earlier this year. Locked in a tie for 10th with Beatriz Piron of the Dominican Republic in the Olympic Qualification Tournament rankings, Ramos fell short of earning a ticket to the Games, where only the top 10 lifters in each category advanced.

“God knows how much I needed this, and He didn’t fail me,” Ramos said, reflecting on her Bahrain performance.

The Philippines’ success at the world championships was further boosted by Cebuano lifter Fernando Agad, who secured three bronze medals in the men’s 55kg category. Agad lifted a total of 263kg, finishing behind Thailand’s Natthawat Chomchuen (273kg) and Brazil’s Thiago Silva (269kg).

While Ramos and Agad stood on the podium, other Filipino lifters, including two-time Olympian Elreen Ando (women’s 64kg), Kristel Macrohon (women’s 71kg), and John Dexter Tabique (men’s 89kg), competed but fell short of medal finishes.

“I can’t explain how happy I am. This is priceless,” Ramos said. “I don’t know how it happened that even I was shocked by my performance.”

Ramos’s journey highlights her resilience, as she overcame a crushing Olympic setback to deliver a standout performance on the global stage. Her double bronze in Bahrain affirms her place among the world’s best lifters and serves as a testament to her determination to bounce back stronger. INQ