Albert Ian Delos Santos misses out on podium at world championships

MANILA — Asian Games bronze medalist Albert Ian Delos Santos fell short of a podium finish in the men’s 70kg division at the 2026 IWF World Championships in Ningbo, China.

After making it to the podium in his Asiad debut, the pride of Zamboanga City was unable to duplicate the feat in the worlds on Friday evening. 

The 20-year-old Filipino weightlifter posted a total of 331kg, built on a 144kg lift in the snatch and 187kg in the clean and jerk, to rank fourth overall in his division.

Delos Santos failed his second attempt at 143kg in the snatch, but he recovered in his third and final attempt to successfully hoist 144kg.

In the clean and jerk, the Southeast Asian Games silver medalist missed his first attempt at 187kg, but made up for it with a successful lift on his third and final try.

Despite missing out on the podium, Delos Santos once again broke the junior world records for the clean and jerk with his 187kg lift and total of 331kg.

The competition serves as a benchmark for Delos Santos, who is eyeing qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Up next for him is the first IWF qualifier for LA28, scheduled from December 7 to 16 in Doha, Qatar.

North Korea’s Pak Pyol won three golds with a 157kg snatch, 198kg clean and jerk, and 355kg total, while his compatriot, 2026 Asian Games gold medalist Ri Won Ju, bagged the silver with a 343kg total.

China’s He Baozhen took home the bronze medal with a 339kg total in their division.