MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino weightlifter Vanessa Sarno said she did not expect to incur a DNF (did not finish) in her Olympic debut but she's still happy to have competed at the Paris Games women's 71kg class.

Sarno immediately bowed out of medal contention after striking out at 100kg snatch, unable to raise the weight in three attempts at the South Paris Arena early Saturday, August 10 (Manila time).

It was truly unexpected for Sarno whose personal best, which also stands as the national record in snatch, is 110kg.

"My performance was unexpected but I'm happy I still made it to the Olympics despite so much negativity, toxic environment, and a lot of people who want to bring me down," said Sarno in an interview with One Sports.

Despite a lowly finish, the 20-year-old Sarno said she fought hard and hopes that the Filipino people are still proud of her.

"I'm sorry for those I disappointed with my game and I hope you guys are still proud of me. I still fought for the Philippines in the Olympics. I still pushed myself to do that last attempt. He [my coach] told me that I can and he trusts me that I can."

Sarno seemed to have been overwhelmed with the Olympic atmosphere, having emphasized the importance of mental health in performing at such a high-level competition.

"We really need to prioritize our mental health so that we can give our best performance because the Olympics is no joke," said Sarno, who is dubbed as the heir apparent to weightlifting great and first Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

"To the next generation who want to compete in the Olympics, prepare your mental health because there's so many people, too much toxicity, negativity, that will try to bring you down. Don't let those people drag you down."

The pride of Bohol then made a vow that those negative people won't be able to bring her down at the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

"Watch out for me in the next Olympics, you guys won't be able to bring me down."

Read The Rest at :