At A Glance
- She received words of encouragement from no less than double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo, so weightlifter Eleen Ando is ready for the biggest battle of her life when she competes in the 59kg class in the Paris Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 8, at the South Paris Arena in Versailles.
PARIS – She received words of encouragement from no less than double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo, so weightlifter Eleen Ando is ready for the biggest battle of her life when she competes in the 59kg class in the Paris Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 8, at the South Paris Arena in Versailles.

But she needs more than that if she is to reign in the event that is loaded with big names, including Chinese Shifang Luo.
Just several months ago, the Chinese made history when she shattered the world mark of 247kg when she tallied 248kg. – 108kg in snatch and 140kg in clean and jerk.
And Ando?
She is ranked at No. 7 in the world with a total lift of 228.
But since weightlifting is a measurable sport, Ando needs miracle to better that mark.
Ando is keeping her fingers crossed so a miracle can happen.
“I’ll do my very best,” she said.
Weightlifting president Monico Puentevella is hoping the brilliance of Yulo will rub off on his players, including John Febuar Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno.
“Ka-roommate ko si Caloy, so one time I invited him to be with us sa breakfast in hopes na ma-inspire ang mga bata.”
The task is daunting, bordering in impossible, but Ando is very willing to try her luck once again.
She earned her slot in the grandest stage after beating Tokyo Games hero Hidilyn Diaz.
Perhaps, Ando can pull off another surprise.