In a prestigious ceremony held at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center, decorated weightlifter Elreen Ann Ando was crowned Athlete of the Year during the 40th Sportswriters Association of Cebu–San Miguel Brewery (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards. This top honor recognizes her prolific campaign in 2025, where she showcased exceptional talent on the international stage.
Impressive Achievements in 2025
Ando's remarkable year was highlighted by a series of medal-winning performances. She secured a gold medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, adding three silver medals from the Asian Weightlifting Championships, and made history by earning a bronze at the World Championships. These accomplishments solidified her status as a dominant force in weightlifting.
Olympic Background and Regional Dominance
Prior to her stellar 2025 season, Ando had already gained recognition by representing the Philippines in two consecutive Olympics: the 2021 Tokyo Games and the 2024 Paris Games. Her dedication and hard work have propelled her to excel in major international competitions, bringing pride to her hometown of Barangay Carreta in Cebu City.
In May 2025, Ando clinched three silver medals at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, China. Just five months later, she achieved a milestone by winning her first-ever medal at the world level, a bronze at the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in Førde, Norway.
SEA Games Success and Future Aspirations
Ando capped off her glorious season with a gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December 2025, held in Chonburi, Thailand. This victory marked her second consecutive SEA Games gold, following her triumph in Cambodia in 2023, cementing her regional dominance.
In her acceptance speech, Ando expressed gratitude, stating, "This is a tremendous honor for me as an athlete. It is not just for me, but for all the people who have supported, believed, and helped in my journey. To my coaches, family, teammates, and everyone who continues to give me strength and inspiration." She added, "I will continue to strive, endure, and give my whole heart to my sport to make the country proud. This is a great inspiration for me to work even harder and reach higher dreams."
Her achievements have brought immense pride not only to Cebuanos but to all Filipinos nationwide, earning her this prestigious recognition from the SAC.
