Despite a ‘DNF’, Olympian Sarno getting hero’s welcome in Bohol

CHEERING SQUAD Family, friends and supporters of Boholana weightlifter Vanessa Sarno gather at Barangay Bool in Tagbilaran City at 2 a.m. on Saturday to cheer for their townmate as they watch the Olympics weightlifting competition beamed live from Paris on two huge television sets provided by the city government. —Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — A hero’s welcome awaits Boholana weightlifter Vanessa Sarno, although she bowed out early at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday. Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap, who watched the competition together with Sarno’s family and supporters, said it is proper to honor Sarno regardless of the game’s outcome.

“Of course, a hero’s welcome is 100 percent sure. We will welcome our first woman Olympian Vanessa Sarno,” Yap said in an interview on Saturday.

Two television sets were set up by the city government along the highway in Barangay Bool, where Sarno lives, to enable residents to watch their townmate’s performance in Paris, France.

READ: Vanessa Sarno apologizes for ‘unexpected’ Paris Olympics showing

At least 1,000 individuals, not minding that they had to stay up past midnight, watched the live proceedings of the weightlifting competition and Sarno’s debut in the Olympics which was held at 2 a.m. (Philippine time) on Saturday.

READ: Vanessa Sarno says ‘toxic environment’ led to struggles in Paris

She competed at the women’s 71-kilogram event and attempted to lift 100 kg.

No worries

Local fans screamed every time Sarno appeared on the television screen. But when she failed on the third attempt and registered a “DNF” (Did not finish), the energy went down.

But win or lose, Sarno still had the support of her parents.

“Don’t worry, my daughter. We love you so much, even if you did not win. We’re very proud of you,” said Sarno’s mother Emelita.

Yap said Sarno’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics has inspired many young people.

“She is a Bol-anon, a woman, a Tagbilaranon. We are proud of you. Vanessa, you are an inspiration to many. You are an inspiration to me. We are looking forward to a hero’s welcome when you return to Tagbilaran,” she said.

Sarno, 20, is the third of five children. Her parents, Christopher and Emelita are fishers.

Sarno took up weightlifting at age 9 as she was inspired by her father and cousins during their training in a local gymnasium.

She studied at Bool Elementary School and Bohol Institute of Technology-International College, where she competed as a powerlifter.

Due to extensive training, she could not finish college.

Sarno won gold in the 2020 Asian Weightlifting Championships and the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. She set new Philippine records and bagged three gold medals at the 2023 Asian Youth and Junior Championships.