Hidilyn Diaz, 25, of Zamboanga City, ended the Philippines’ 20 year Olympic medal drought with a silver finish in the Women’s 53-kg Weightlifting category early Monday morning.
After 20 years of heartbreak, Diaz lifted a total of 212 kg during the event while also lifting the hopes of the entire nation on her young shoulders. With pure will and a little bit of luck, Diaz became the first-ever Filipina, and won the nation’s first-ever medal outside of boxing.
Shortly after winning, the Malacañang Palace hailed Diaz’s feat.
“The Philippines and the president are honored and proud of Hidilyn Diaz’s silver medal win at the Rio Olympics,” said Palace spokesperson Ernesto Abella on behalf of the country.
“We extend our sincerest congratulations and celebrate the end of the medal drought. Truly change has come.”
