Boholana weightlifter sets eyes on Olympics

FILE: Perez (PNA photo)

TAGBILARAN CITY — Weightlifting champion Ellen Rose Perez has been the talk of the town of late for her series of victories, yet she never let her success get into her head but just keeps her eyes on the grandest prize — to be an Olympian.

Perez, in an interview, said she is currently focusing to become the weightlifting pride of the country.

The 19-year-old lass from Barangay Poblacion 1 said she tries to balance her studies and at the same time give ample time for her training.

She aims to one day replicate the feat of her idol Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bring more honor and glory to the country.

Diaz’s victory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016 ended the Philippines’ 20-year Olympic medal drought.

Last week, Perez presented her medals to Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and Tagbilaran Mayor John Geesnell Yap after she struck gold in a recent tournament held in South Korea.

Perez captured the gold medals in the Asian Cup and the Asian Inter-Club Weightlifting Championships both held in Yanggu, Gangwon Province in South Korea last month.

Right now, Perez is on track with a string of victories in recent international weightlifting competitions.

The province already recognized her achievements as she was one of the awardees during the recent Carlos P. Garcia Day last November 4 for her exploits in weightlifting.

She was absent during the awarding ceremony but her parents received the award on her behalf. Now she is back in Tagbilaran and to continue her training.

She is trying to be in top condition in preparation for a competition in Uzbekistan next year and the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. (Dave Albarado/PNA)