Diaz plans to continue development of weightlifting in the country

Build it, and they will come.

2016 Rio Olympic Games silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz plans to use the incentives she will receive from the Philippine government and the private sector for the continued growth of her sport in the country.

Under the new National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Law, or Republic Act 10699, Diaz will be getting Php 5 million as incentive for winning the Olympic silver.

After stating her intention to defer her retirement plans and go for the gold in Tokyo 2020, the 25-year-old weightlifter called for more support for Philippine sports and the national athletes.

Diaz herself would like to do her share toward fulfilling her plea.

“Bibili po ako ng lupa, tapos magpapatayo po ako ng gym dun para pang-weighlifting club,” she said.

“Suporta sa sports, yung sa grassroots,” she added.

She aims to teach the younger generation her sport, so that they themselves can dream of getting to the biggest sporting stage someday.

“Gusto ko mangarap din sila. Gusto ko maging Olympian din sila, na maging medalist rin sila.”