John Ceniza's campaign the 61kg men’s weightlifting of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 ended in disappointment.
Filipino athlete John Ceniza crashed out in the 61kg men’s weightlifting in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the South Paris Arena on Wednesday, August 7 (PH Time).
Ceniza could not finish after failing in the snatch of the event, which was marred by a delay due to technical maintenance.
The Cebuano weightlifter was visibly upset after failing to lift his third try in 125kg in snatch. His personal best in the lift is 131kg.
It can also be recalled that Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz also registered a Did Not Finish (DNF) in London 2012, before going for silver in Rio 2016.
The Philippine contingent now pints its hope on other Filipino weightlifters Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno to make up for his painful campaign in the French capital.
Ando will compete in 59kg on Thursday, August 8 (PH Time) at 9pm followed by Sarno in the 71kg class a day later at 1am.
Meanwhile, China’s Fabin Li defended his throne in the 61kg competition.
Li totalled 310kg, while lifting an Olympic record of 143 in snatch to capture the gold medal.
There was some tense moment in the clean and jerk after he failed to lift the 167kg. Fortunately for the Chinese weightlifter, he got it on his second attempt to the delight of the crowd at the arena.
Thailand’s Theerapong Silachai and USA’s Hampton Morris settled for silver and bronze, respectively.