The NMI’s Ray Santos successfully lifts 92kg in the snatch portion during the 2022 Pacific Mini Games at the MHS gym.
PACIFIC Games gold medalist Ray Santos of the NMI made it to the top 10 in two weight categories of the 2023 Oceania Weightlifting Federation regional rankings.
Santos is ranked no.2 in the senior men 55 kg weight category, and is no.7 in the senior men 61kg weight category.
In the 2022 Pacific Mini Games hosted by the NMI, Santos won four gold medals. In the 2023 Pacific Games held in the Solomon Islands, he notched one gold, two silver and one bronze.
“I was surprised to be in the top 10 in two weight classes,” said the 32-year-old teacher aide at Koblerville Elementary School. “I feel blessed knowing all my hard work and sacrifices paid off,” he added.
When asked if he aims to be the no. 1 ranked athlete in his categories, he replied, “Everyone wants to be number 1, of course; it’s not impossible, but man that’s going to be hard.”
Santos has been in the sport of weightlifting for about nine years already, but he has also taken long breaks now and then.
“The toughest part of weightlifting is trying to balance family, friends, work and weightlifting. It takes a toll on you physically and mentally,” he said.
But despite the challenges, he wants to influence young local weightlifters to achieve greatness. “Don’t be discouraged if you lose or don’t have a good training day,” he said. “Don’t give up and keep training hard.”
