Inspired by his own self, weightlifter John Ceniza aims to bring home another medal for Team Philippines in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
While many names in the Philippine Centennial Team will be getting another shot at Olympic glory, 26-year-old John Ceniza will be among the first-timers seeing action in the Olympics for the national team.
Ceniza, a man of few words, is out to make sure to let his performance do the talking as he makes his debut in Paris 2024.
To qualify for the Olympic Games, Ceniza lifted 300kg in the 61-kg division of the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in Phuket, Thailand. This improved his personal best of 298kg and did just enough to stay in the Top 10 ranking of athletes in his weight division.
[ALSO READ: Unexpected 300kg: Weightlifter John Febuar Ceniza looks back on Olympic berth-clinching performance]
While many often turn to their family or mentors as inspiration, Ceniza looks no further to himself as motivation. Why?
“Sarili ko lang ang nagpapa-inspire sa dream ko kasi ako lang 'yung nagpu-push, ako lang 'yung gumagawa para magawa yon at maabot 'yung Olympics,” Ceniza told One Sports.
Prior to Team Philippines’ arrival in Metz, France, Ceniza had been nursing a neck injury after his tournament in Thailand.
“Lumalala 'yung injury ko nung after Thailand. I have cervical nerves na C7-T1 sa leeg. Naipit siya sa muscle, nag-tight 'yung muscle sa leeg then hindi ako makagalaw or 'di ko ma-straight 'yung buong shoulders,” said Ceniza.
Despite this, the 26-year-old Cebuano continues his fight to get in shape and ready for the Olympics.
“Nagpapa-recover pa rin then nagpapa-checkup sa hospital. Gagawin 'yung pinapagawa nila. Mag-training pa rin ako pero hindi 'yung madadamay 'yung injuries,” Ceniza said on his recovery process.
As he readies up for his biggest tournament yet, Ceniza gave himself a short but sweet pep talk in his build-up for Paris 2024.
“Hi John, I hope na mag-qualify ka sa Olympics na kahit maraming injury na ininiida sa lahat ng laro.”
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Story Summary:
- Olympic Debut: John Ceniza, 26, will make his Olympic debut at Paris 2024, representing the Philippine Centennial Team amidst seasoned veterans, showcasing his journey from injury to qualification in the 61-kg weightlifting division.
- Personal Achievement: Ceniza achieved his Olympic berth by lifting 300kg at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, surpassing his previous personal best and securing a spot in the Top 10 for his weight category.
- Self-Motivation and Resilience: Despite facing a serious neck injury, Ceniza remains self-motivated, relying on his own drive and determination to recover and prepare for his first Olympic appearance, highlighting his dedication and resilience in pursuit of his dream.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]