Fisherman’s daughter from Bohol attempts to live up to stature as Hidilyn Diaz’s heir

PHOTO: JEROME ASCANO

VANESSA Sarno’s journey to the Paris Olympics is not all about herself alone.

It’s the fulfillment of the dream of an entire clan.

The moment fisherman’s daughter from Bohol qualified for the quadrennial meet last April after finishing fifth in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in Thailand, she knew she’s about to realize a fervent family goal.

“Naalala ko lang lahat ng struggles na pinagdaanan ko, lahat ng pagda-doubt sa sarili ko, nung nag-qualify ako, na-repay ko lahat ‘yun,” she said. “Buong family ko, ito yung pangarap namin para sa akin.”

At 20 years old, Sarno, currently ranked fifth in the world, holds the national record of 110 kilograms in snatch, and clean & jerk of 141kg, for a total of 249 kilograms in women’s 71-kg category.

She also has gold and silver medals to her name from the Asian Championships on top of two Southeast Asian Games gold medals.

Heralded as Hidilyn Diaz’s heir, it’s a long time coming for Sarno to make it to the world’s biggest sports stage. It’s also from Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, that she gets the best advice.

“Basta i-enjoy ko lang yung laro, no pressure mag-podium pero gagawin ko ang best ko,” she said. “Lagi lang sinasabi ni ate [Hidilyn] na mag-focus sa goal, alalahanin ‘yung pangarap mo na naabot mo na and maglaro nang maayos.

“Itong journey na ‘to is once in a lifetime,” Sarno added.

Sarno is joined by second-timer Elreen Ando and another debutante in John Ceniza as the Philippines’ delegation in weightlifting.

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Together they carry the hopes of a nation in Diaz’s absence.

“From qualifying pa lang kaming tatlo na yung magkakasama, masaya lang kami na hanggang Paris, kami pa rin ang magkakasama,” she said.