From one Alex to another Alex making a name in the global sports stage.
Fifteen-year-old Alexsandra Ann Diaz delivered a record-breaking performance for the Philippines after sweeping three gold medals and setting two youth world records at the 2026 IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia.
Diaz, the niece of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, ruled the girls’ 48kg division on Monday, Philippine time, as she powered Team Philippines to a dominant start on the opening day of competition.
The Zamboanga City native lifted 77 kilograms in the snatch to secure her first gold medal before making history in the clean and jerk, where she hoisted 98kg to surpass the previous youth world record of 97kg.
She then completed her golden sweep with a total lift of 175kg, eclipsing the old youth world record of 173kg and firmly placing herself among the brightest young talents in international weightlifting.
Romania’s Adelina Lorint finished with the silver medal after lifting 74kg in the snatch, 90kg in the clean and jerk, and 164kg in total. Venezuela’s Valeria Osorio del Valle claimed bronze with a total of 162kg.
Diaz’s latest triumph added to her growing international resume. In the 2025 edition of the championships in Lima, Peru, she won gold in the girls’ 45kg category after topping the snatch and total events, while placing third in the clean and jerk.
She also captured bronze in the 48kg class at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain last October.
Another Filipina lifter, Althea Bacaro, also reached the podium in Cali after winning silver in the clean and jerk of the women’s 44kg division with an 80kg lift. Bacaro also bagged bronze in total with 140kg.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella said the strong showing is the result of the country’s long-term preparation for major international tournaments.
“This is in preparation for the Asian Games and, ultimately, the Olympics. That is why we compete against the best in the world,” Puentevella said.
The championships will continue this week as more Filipino lifters compete for Team Philippines.