Fil-Aussie teen wins gold in Australia national weightlifting tourney

QUEENSLAND, Australia — A 17-year-old Filipino-Australian has won gold in the national 2025 Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) Youth and Under 15 Championships held from October 18 to 19 in Queensland, Australia.

Gabriel Intal competed under the 56-kilo body weight category. He lifted 53 kilos during the Snatch event and 80 kilos during the clean and jerk event for a total of 133 points, placing him at the top spot in the Youth category.

Prior to winning the national competition, Intal has won gold in school age and state championships. 

"My first competition was in November last year. It was just a small competition against nearby clubs. I've had three major events winning gold in all three, including the recent one," he said.

Gabriel Intal at the 2025 Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) Youth and Under 15 Championships on October 18, 2025 at Queensland, Australia. Courtesy: Seanna Intal

A year 11 student in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Intal was spotted by his school coach, who got him into weightlifting.

"I started training in September last year. My coach saw my work ethic in the gym at school and invited me to his gym. I saw results and consistency and developed a passion for weightlifting. I slowly started to gain more and more interest as I continued to learn," said Intal.

The Queensland Weightlifting Association (QWA) describes Olympic weightlifting as not just a test of strength, but also a very technically demanding sport. 

"Weightlifting training revolves around developing the skills and strength to perform the two Olympic lifts – the Snatch and the Clean & Jerk. Coaches spend many months teaching a new participant correct lifting techniques and ensuring that these techniques are maintained," according to QWA. Weightlifters compete within bodyweight categories and also within age groups.

"I am planning to continue training to compete on the next level and hopefully to be ready for international competition," said Intal.

Gabriel with parents Michael and Rose after winning gold at the 2025 Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) Youth and Under 15 Championships on October 18, 2025 at Queensland, Australia. Courtesy: Seanna Intal

Filipino parents

Aside from weightlifting, Intal does golf, running, swimming and likes going to the gym.

Intal's parents Michael and Rose both hail from Manila. 

His parents moved to Singapore where he was born in 2008, along with twin sister Ella. 

He has an older sister, Seanna, and younger brother, Sethiel. In 2011, the family moved to Australia. — VDV, GMA Integrated News