Elreen Ando made heavy headlines after surpassing the first and only Filipino gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, securing a back-to-back trip to the Olympics.

With a personal best of 228 kg lifted altogether—100 kg in snatch and 128 kg in clean and jerk—Ando registered seventh place overall. The 25-year-old Cebuana finished ahead against Olympic gold medalist Diaz-Naranjo, ending the supposed fifth streak Olympic appearance for the fellow Filipina weightlifter. Diaz-Naranjo fell short after landing at 11th place overall, with a total lift of 222 kg following a 99 kg in snatch and 123kg from clean and jerk, allotted from her 224 kg Olympic record. 

China’s Luo Shifang dominated the IWF World Cup after striking a lift of 248 kg in total output, putting her in the gold spot. She was followed by North Korea’s Kim Il Gyong landing in silver with a total lift of 240 kg and Canada’s Maude Charron placing in bronze with an output of 236 kg. Only the top ten lifters, with only one representative from each country, will advance to the 2024 Paris Olympics, leaving Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo out of contention. IWF will announce the final list of athletes competing by the end of the month.

“Sobrang saya ko po dahil nagawa ko lahat ‘yung training ko, ang dami kong sinacrifice na pinagdaanan.” Said by the comeback-queen, Elreen Ando.

“Kahit manalo, matalo nandyan kayo so maraming salamat sa prayers and support. I love you all.” Honorably and proudly stated by Diaz-Naranjo with in-boost support for Ando.

Strong-girl, Elreen Ando, became the latest Filipino athlete to qualify for the 33rd Summer Olympic Games. She will compete in weightlifting with John Febuar Ceniza and Rosegie Ramos. There are now nine Filipino athletes who are set to triumph on the podiums in the most prestigious sports event, which will be held in Paris, France from the 26th of July to the 11th of August 2024.