Weightlifting bet John Ceniza books Paris Olympics spot

Another Filipino weightlifter is headed to the 2024 Paris Olympics as John Ceniza booked his spot for the Summer Games following a strong showing in the men’s 61kg event of the 2024 IWF World Cup on Tuesday in Thailand.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) announced Ceniza’s qualification in a social media post as the 26-year-old athlete joined another weightlifter Rosegie Ramos, who clinched her spot in the women’s 49kg on Monday.

Ceniza was able to seal his spot after he finished fourth in the World Cup, tallying a total lift of 300kg following a 132kg from snatch and 168kg in clean and jerk. Prior to the tournament, Ceniza was already ranked 6th in the Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR) and was in good position to land an Olympic berth.

Only the top 10 athletes in each category will qualify to the quadrennial event.

Ceniza, a two-time SEA Games silver medalist, became the eighth Filipino athlete to qualify to the Paris Games after EJ Obiena, Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, and Ramos.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News