Angeline Colonia bags gold at Asian Junior weightlifting meet

Zamboangueña weightlifting standout Angeline Colonia is setting her sights on greater achievements after clinching a gold medal in the snatch event at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held from July 4 to 10 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Competing in the Junior Women’s 48kg division, Colonia lifted 77 kilograms in the snatch to top the category and earn gold. She also placed fourth in both the clean and jerk (88 kg) and overall total (165 kg).

"I'm so happy. I just prayed for a good performance. I did not expect to win the gold in snatch," Colonia shared in an interview on Wednesday, July 30, her voice reflecting both gratitude and surprise.

The victory in Kazakhstan comes just months after Colonia’s strong showing at the World Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, Peru last May, where she bagged a silver in snatch and bronze in total while competing in the Junior 45kg division.

Colonia was among a group of young Zamboangueño athletes honored by Mayor Khymer Olaso during the city’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday, July 28, at Zamboanga City Hall. 

The mayor, joined by Councilor Bong Atilano and City Sports Office head Dr. Cecil Atilano, presented certificates of recognition to the athletes and praised their commitment and achievements, which have brought pride to the city.

Joining Colonia in the commendation were fellow weightlifters Albert Ian Delos Santos (1 gold, Junior men’s 71kg), Jhodie Peralta (3 silvers in Youth and 2 bronzes in Junior women’s 53kg), Princess Ann Diaz (1 silver, 2 bronzes in Youth women’s 44kg), and Alexsandra Ann Diaz (1 silver, 1 bronze in Youth women’s 48kg).

Also recognized were chess players Joize Abbey Saavedra (2 silvers) and Art Nicholas (3 bronzes), who represented the country at the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship in Penang, Malaysia. Talented performers from the WDSF Vietnam Dancesport Festival—Brianna Braille Marcial, Queen Ellish Fernandez, Shannen Kylle Carpio, Bret Marcial, James Justin Angeles, Eidzreen Deen Ibañez, Angie Mar Ituralde, and Athea Aisel Conte—as well as Emrish May Marie Ramos from the Southeast Asia Judo Championships in Manila, were also commended.

Coaches who guided the athletes in their international campaigns were likewise awarded certificates of recognition for their vital role in developing Zamboanga’s sports talents.

With her recent win adding momentum to her career, Colonia remains determined and hopeful as she continues to represent the city and the country on the global stage.