John Ceniza reveals competing with injury in Paris Olympics

Philippine bet John Ceniza revealed on Wednesday that he was suffering from an injury when he competed in the men's weightlifting 61kg event of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Ceniza bowed out of the Summer Games as he registered a DNF (Did Not Finish) after three unsuccessful attempts in lifting 125kg during the snatch portion of the tournament.

"Binabaan namin kasi sa warmup, 'di talaga kaya ng shoulder ko," Ceniza told GMA Integrated News' JP Soriano, a member of the Philippine Olympic Committee media, when asked about the attempt to lift 125kg.

Other weightlifters started their lifts with weights less than 125kg.

"Parang nagsu-sure lang kami na makuha 'yung snatch."

Ceniza admitted that he was not nervous in the competition, but the idea of his injury was on his mind.

"Hindi naman ako kinakabahan sa stage. Ang kaba lang, 'yung injury. If pag nandun na, 'pag nagbuhat na, 'di nakakakaba ang laro. Mas lalo ako ginagahan, mas tumataas ang energy ko. 

"'Yung injury lang talaga. Mahirap na sa isip."

Months before the Olympics, Ceniza said in a 24 Oras report that he was suffering an injury. 

Now, it is still the same injury that affected his performance.

"Lumala pa po... Kahit nakaupo lang ako, nakahiga, mamamanhid pa rin siya sa likod at saka sa braso."

Despite this, Ceniza said he got a pep talk from Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz before the competition.

"Ibigay lang lahat as Panginoon 'yung mga negative na mga sinasabi or what. Isipin lang laro," Ceniza said about Diaz' tips.

For now, the weightlifter said he will undergo recovery for his injury.

—with reports from JP Soriano/JKC, GMA Integrated News