Ian Delos Santos celebrates after successfully lifting a new junior world record of 183 kilos in the clean-and-jerk. POC Media Pool
By Dugout Philippines

NAGOYA—Weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos made a statement in his Asian Games debut, clinching bronze in the Men’s 70kg event at the 20th Asian Games on Saturday at the Fukiage Hall here.

The 20-year-old lifted 141kg in the snatch, followed by 183kg in the clean and jerk for a 324kg total in his first appearance in the continental meet. 

The pride of Zamboanga City once again rewrote the junior world and Asian record books, hosting an 183kg lift in his third and final attempt in the clean and jerk and a 324kg total.

“I'm thankful, my God. Unexpected, but yun, palagi ko naman sinasabi, have fun. Like sila at Heidi, sinasabi, have fun, no pressure. But opposite ako. And I give myself sobrang pressure. Like, whenever mag-isa lang ako, sige ko, huwag mo sayangin, yung first time mo 'to. Kung hindi, hindi ka makamedal, another four years,” he told POC Media.

Delos Santos said he felt his late father Alvin’s presence during the warm-up, where he noticed the light was brighter than usual on his platform.

“Coincidentally, yung lights, yung ganyan, it's not that bright sa iba. But yung platform ko mismo was the brightest. Sabi ko, I'm gonna be sentimental. That's papa. Nangyari din to sa akin sa Egypt. Parang warehouse siya. And so, yung sun, barely siya nagpasok sa loob. Pero may mga windows. Yung light beam, Sa platform ko lang, ina-observe ko. Sabi ko, okay, thank you pa. Okay, nandito ka,” he said.

North Korea’s Ri Won Ju topped the event with a total of 349kg, successfully lifting 198kg in the clean and jerk to set a new world, Asian Games, and Asian record. 

Hometown bet Masanori Miyamoto captured silver with a 342kg total, despite leading after the snatch.

When asked how he will celebrate, Delos Santos said he will go around, eat, and enjoy Japan with his mother and his team.