Albert Ian Delos Santos sets two junior world records despite fourth-place finish

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 31, 2026

Photo Courtesy: POC

Filipino weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos narrowly missed the podium at the 2026 International Weightlifting FederationWorld Championships in Ningbo, China, but made his mark with two new junior world records.

Competing in the men’s 70-kilogram division, the 20-year-old lifted a combined 331 kilograms, finishing fourth overall. His performance included a 144-kilogram snatch and a 187-kilogram clean and jerk, with the latter setting a new junior world record. His total of 331 kilograms also established a junior world record.

North Korea’s Pak Pyol claimed the gold medal with a world-record total of 355 kilograms. His teammate Ri Won Ju finished second with 343 kilograms, while China’s He Baozhen took third with 339 kilograms.

Despite falling short of an overall medal, Delos Santos delivered one of the standout performances of the competition, improving his own junior records against a field that included some of the world’s leading lifters.

The Filipino said the experience was especially challenging, describing the pressure of competing against established athletes from North Korea and China.

Delos Santos is expected to move up to the 75-kilogram category for the IWF qualifying competition in Qatar in December as he continues his international campaign.