MANILA, Philippines — Asian Games bronze medalist Albert Ian delos Santos dedicated his medal to his late father after delivering a podium finish at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Delos Santos lifted 141 kilograms in the snatch and 183 kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 324 kg, good for the bronze medal in the men’s weightlifting competition on Saturday.
In a Facebook post by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Delos Santos said he felt his father’s presence throughout his performance.
“Coincidentally, the lights are not that bright from the others. But my platform was the brightest,” he said.
“I said I’m gonna be sentimental. That’s papa,” he added.
Delos Santos brought with him a photo of his father, Alvin delos Santos, who was also a former weightlifter and served as his coach.
The elder Delos Santos died earlier this year.
“To my Filipino supporters, thank you for supporting and watching. And for those curious, that is my late father… every lift, I dedicate it to him and to him only,” Delos Santos said.
