Hidilyn Diaz Notches First-Ever PH Olympic Gold

Jerimae R. Sanchez in Ang Pinoy Stories

Jul 27, 2021 • 2 min Read

After 97 years, the Philippines finally has a gold medal from the Olympics.

The drought comes to an end as the country’s weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz gives a valiant performance at Tokyo to reign supreme in the women’s weightlifting 55kg category.

The 30-year old four-time Olympian cleared and lifted a heavy load of 127kg in her last attempt at clean and jerk for a sum of 224kg, to beat China’s world record holder bet Liao Qiuyun.

Diaz also sets two new Olympic records on her final attempt at 127kg and on her overall total of 224kg.

“Ang dami kong pinagdaanan. After winning the Rio Olympics, syempre ang hirap ma-sustain. Tapos nagkaroon pa ng matrix. Sobrang gulo ng buhay ko nung time na yun. Then I decided to stop in school para makapag-training,” related Diaz in a post-game remark.

The Zamboanga native athlete made her presence felt early in the snatch as she lifted 97kg to square things up with Liao, edging behind Uzbekistan’s Muattar Nabieva who also put up an Olympic record the 98kg category.

In the clean and jerk, Diaz continued to sway the momentum to herself, capping it off with a clear 119kg in her first attempt.  Diaz then maximized her strengths and cleared 124kg to turn the tides on her side, after China’s Liao managed a 123kg.

Liao pushed her way through with a final 126kg clear but it was Diaz’ superlative effort on making the 127kg attempt that sealed the deal.

“I sacrificed a lot. Hindi ko nakasama yung nanay at tatay ko for how many months and years na, and then syempre sa training lahat masakit. Pero may plano si God,” added Diaz.

Diaz will receive incentives amounting to php35.5 million — Php10 million from the government under R.A. 10699, Php10 million each from businessmen Manny V. Pangilinan and Ramon S. Ang, Php3 million from Congressman Mikee Romero, Php2.5 million from Zamboanga City, and a Foton van and a house and lot in Tagaytay courtesy of the Philippine Olympic Committee headed by Representative Abraham Tolentino. She will also be given a Php14-M condo unit in Eastwood by Megaworld owner Andrew Tan, and lifetime free flights from Air Asia Philippines. Product endorsements are also expected to be offered to Diaz.

Diaz confirmed through a media conference that she will focus for the next SEA Games and world championships next year.

Credit to the Owners of the Featured Pictures