Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz delivered as promised, bagging the gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asia Games, Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Diaz lifted a total of 211 kilograms to take her first-ever SEA Games title, beating out Nguyen Thi Thuy of Vietnam and Indonesia’s Juliana Klarisa. She cleared 91 kg in the snatch and 120 kg in the clean and jerk.
The lifter earlier attempted 94 kg in the snatch but opted not to take the bar.
Diaz then took 110 and 115 kg in the clean and jerk, before getting that final lift.
The 28-year-old extended her appreciation for the support she received from the audience, which included her family. “First time na nandito ang nanay at tatay ko kaya kinakabahan ako. Yung nanay ko medyo nerbiyosa,” said Diaz.
“Kinakabahan ako kasi maraming magtsi-cheer sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung paano i-handle ang pressure and yung expectation ng taongbayan,” she admitted.
Nonetheless, after accomplishing her promise, Diaz was so much relieved and happy that she did not fail her fellowmen.
“Mabuti na lang at nagawa ko ng maayos. I want to thank God. Sa lahat ng nagdasal. I can’t do it alone. At sa lahat ng Filipino na sumusuporta sa mga atleta.”
