Fourteen-year-old Alexsandra Ann Diaz, the niece of Philippine Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, delivered one of the country’s biggest performances on the international youth stage after sweeping three gold medals and setting two youth world records at the 2026 IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia.
Competing in the girls’ 48-kilogram division, Alexsandra ruled all three events by winning the snatch, clean and jerk, and total. She lifted 70 kilograms in the snatch, 92 kilograms in the clean and jerk, and finished with a 162-kilogram total, with her clean and jerk and total establishing new youth world records in the category.
The three-gold sweep marked another milestone for Philippine weightlifting, with Alexsandra adding her name to a growing list of Filipino lifters making an impact on the world stage at a young age. It also continues the Diaz family’s tradition in the sport, following the achievements of her aunt Hidilyn, who became the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist after winning the women’s 55-kilogram event at the Tokyo Olympics.
Alexsandra entered the tournament as one of the country’s promising young lifters after collecting medals in previous international competitions. Her victory in Cali builds on that progress and highlights the Philippines’ continued presence in youth weightlifting competitions.
Alexsandra’s achievement comes shortly after rising tennis star Alex Eala’s breakthrough run at Wimbledon reached the Round of 16 after defeating defending champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek.
