Injured Ceniza withdraws from Paris Games

Filipino weightlifter John Ceniza's campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended prematurely after failing to complete any lifts during Wednesday’s competition in the men's 61kg division due to a nagging shoulder injury.

Competing with high adrenaline but unable to control his pain, Ceniza registered a 'Did Not Finish' status and broke into tears backstage, visibly emotional and quickly apologizing to Filipinos for his performance.

China's Li Fabin secured the gold medal with an Olympic record total of 310kg, while Thailand's Theerapong Silachai claimed silver with 303kg, and American Hampton Morris won bronze with 298kg.

Despite finishing fifth in the Olympic Qualification Ranking of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and clearing a total of 300kg in April’s World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, Ceniza's performance fell short due to his injury which had been affecting him for months.

Ceniza expressed gratitude for supporters and aimed to qualify again for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The University of Cebu extended a P200,000 cash incentive to both John and fellow weightlifter Elreen Ando.