Elreen Ando shares what Hidilyn Diaz told Paris-bound weightlifters

Hidilyn Diaz’ journey to the Paris Olympics may have ended, but she was the first one who congratulated her fellow weightlifters as they punched their tickets to the Summer Games.

Elreen Ando, who bested Diaz in the women’s 59kg event during the IWF World Cup, recalled how she felt as she claimed her slot to Paris. 

“Sobrang saya ko kasi nakuha ko na ‘yung ticket to Paris,” Ando said in JP Soriano’s 24 Oras report aired on April 25.

(I am happy that I got the ticket to Paris.)

Ando said Diaz hugged and greeted her after the former became an official contender in the Olympics.

“Sinabi niya na kayang-kaya namin sa Olympics at saka deserve din namin mag-Olympics,” said Ando.

(She told us that we can do it in the Olympics and we deserve that Olympic slot.)

Paris will be Ando’s second stint in the Olympics as she also competed in Tokyo three years ago.

Aside from Ando, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno and John Ceniza also booked their slots to Paris, while awaiting official confirmation for her qualification is Rosegie Ramos as she achieved the necessary points in the qualifiers.

At least ten Filipinos have qualified to the Olympics, among them are returning Olympians Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial, EJ Obiena, and Carlos Yulo.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News