The Filipino Strongman

Rodrigo del Rosario was born on June 11, 1917, who represented the Philippines in featherweight weightlifting at 3 Summer Olympic Games (London 1948, Helsinki 1952, Melbourne 1956). Rosario was from Cabangan, Zambales. He stood at a mere 5’4” and was the star of the Philippine contingent in 1948.

At the age of 31, he competed in his first Olympic Games and placed fifth among 23 competitors. In 1952, he placed fourth of 22 in the event and set a new world and Olympic record in the military press portion.

Rosario, although never won an Olympic medal, became the first Filipino to set an Olympic record where he lifted 105kg, surpassing Jafar Salmasi who lifted 100kg.

Later, he became a security guard, he was notable for guarding the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, where the Philippine Amatuer Athletic Federation had its headquarters during that time. He spent the last years of his life in a wheelchair after being confined and died on October 10, 2009 at the age of 92.

He had inspired the younger generations to become weighlifters, including his son, Arturo del Rosario, who participated in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games, and his nephew, Salvador del Rosario, to also take up the sport. Salvador participated in the 1968, 1972, 1976 Olympic Games.

Salvador del Rosario was declared the world’s strongest man in the flyweight division when he plucked a gold medal in the World Weightlifting Championships held in Columbus, Ohio, USA in 1970. Del Rosario actually won the title by technicality because three of his top rivals were disqualified for using illegal drugs.

Reference: PhilippineOlympians.org