Zamboanga: Zamboangue±a Angeline Colonia eyes more success after winning a gold medal at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan early this month. Competing in the Junior women’s 48 kg. category, she topped the snatch in 77 kg. and placed fourth in clean and jerk (88 kg.) and total (165 kg.). “I’m so happy. I just prayed for a good performance. I did not expect to win the gold in snatch,” shared Colonia in an interview Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, last May, Colonia won the Junior 45 kg. silver (snatch) and the bronze (total) at the World Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, Peru. Colonia and four other lifters namely Albert Ian Delos Santos (1 gold Junior men’s 71 kg.), Jhodie Peralta (3 silvers in Youth and 2 bronzes in Junior women’s 53 kg.), Princess Ann Diaz (1 silver and 2 bronzes, Youth women’s 44 kg.), and Alexsandra Ann Diaz (1 silver and 1 bronze, Youth women’s 48 kg.) were among the athletes who received certificates of recognition from Mayor Khymer Olaso during the flag-raising ceremony at the Zamboanga City Hall on Monday.

Councilor Bong Atilano and City Sports Office chief Dr. Cecil Atilano assisted Olaso, who commended the athletes for their hard work and dedication that brought honor and pride to Zamboanga City. Joize Abbey Saavedra (2 silvers) and Art Nicholas (3 bronzes), who competed at the 23rd Asean + Age Group Chess Championship in Penang, Malaysia were also honored, along with Brianna Braille Marcial, Queen Ellish Fernandez, Shannen Kylle Carpio, Bret Marcial, James Justin Angeles, Eidzreen Deen Iba±ez, Angie Mar Ituralde, and Athea Aisel Conte (WDSF Vietnam Dancesport Festival in Ho Chi Minh City); and Emrish May Marie Ramos (Southeast Asia Judio Championships in Manila).

Coaches also received certificates of recognition.