20-year-old Vanessa Sarno is unfazed by the pressure that comes with being dubbed as the 'next Hidilyn Diaz' as she prepares for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Being dubbed as the next Hidilyn Diaz comes with a lot of pressure, but Pinay weightlifter Vanessa Sarno doesn’t seem to mind the comparisons.
In fact, being called Hidilyn Diaz's successor in Philippine weightlifting has become a source of motivation for Sarno.
“Nakaka-proud na ganun 'yung sinasabi ng mga tao sakin pero 'yung sakin is, nai-inspire ako at mas namo-motivate ako na gagalingan pa sa Paris Olympics,” Sarno told One Sports.
At just 20 years old, Sarno has already achieved a lot in her young weightlifting career.
It all started after winning the gold medal in the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in 2018.
Two years later, Sarno would go on to bag the gold medal in the women’s 71kg category at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Last year, the Bohol native defended her Southeast Asian Games title after recording a total lift of 225kg.
And, of course, Sarno broke her own national record during the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup last April to qualify for the Paris 2024.
[ALSO READ: Next in Line: Vanessa Sarno hopes to replicate success of Hidilyn Diaz in Paris 2024]
For the Pinay weightlifter, every lift is a step closer to achieving her dreams of making it to the Olympics.
“Siguro 'yung naiisip ko every lift ko sa competition is 'yung moment na makaka-qualify at makatuntong sa stage ng Olympics,” said Sarno.
“'Yun 'yung nilolook forward ko na kaya kailangan gagalingan ko sa laro,” she added.
Riding with all the confidence and momentum, Sarno is ready to let her name be known in the biggest sporting event in the world.
“Hi Van, naging worth it lahat ng sacrifices mo at nandito ka na, qualified ka na for Paris Olympics at sana gawin mo lahat ng best mo sa laro na ‘yun. Sana hindi ka magsisi sa kung anoman ‘yung magiging results sa Paris Olympics,” said Sarno.
Story summary:
· At just 20 years old, Vanessa Sarno has already achieved significant milestones in her weightlifting career, including gold medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in 2018 and the Asian Weightlifting Championships in 2020, as well as defending her title at the Southeast Asian Games.
· Sarno draws motivation from being compared to Hidilyn Diaz, using the pressure as a driving force to excel further. Her ultimate goal is to perform her best and qualify for the Olympics, viewing each competition lift as a step closer to this dream.
· Sarno qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics by breaking her national record at the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in April. She aims to perform at her highest level in Paris, driven by the sacrifices she has made, and the confidence gained from her accomplishments.
[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.]