Albert Delos Santos, a 19-year-old weightlifter from the Philippines, won the gold medal in the men's 73kg category at the 2026 IWF World Junior Championships held in Egypt on Monday, May 4, 2026. According to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) results, Delos Santos lifted a total of 325 kg (145 kg snatch, 180 kg clean and jerk) to secure the top spot.
Delos Santos dedicated his victory to his late mother, who passed away earlier this year. In a post-competition interview with the Philippine Sports Commission, he said, 'This is for her. I know she is watching from above.' The win marks the Philippines' first gold medal at the junior world championships since 2019.
The competition saw Delos Santos edge out silver medalist Ali Rezaei of Iran, who lifted 320 kg, and bronze medalist Dmitry Ivanov of Russia, who lifted 315 kg. Delos Santos's performance was praised by IWF officials as 'exceptional' given his personal circumstances.
Delos Santos, who trains at the Philippine Weightlifting Association facility in Manila, is now expected to compete in the senior world championships later this year. His coach, Ramon Fernandez, noted that Delos Santos has been training six days a week despite his grief.
