She’s a woman of many firsts.
Hidilyn Diaz, 31, made history as the first Filipino athlete to win a gold medal in the Olympics.
And now, she’s added another feather to her already impressive cap with a dominant performance at the IWF World Weightlifting Championships.
The Zamboanga City native swept the women’s 55-kilogram class with a total lift of 207kg, earning her a golden treble.
Diaz’s achievements are a testament to her hard work and determination.
She’s won gold in international events ranging from the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, World Championships, to the Olympics. This feat has never been accomplished by any other Filipino athlete in history.
It’s no wonder that she’s been named Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) for the fourth time in five years.
“Hidilyn Diaz was the unanimous choice as Athlete of the Year for 2022 by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. Her latest triumph is a testament to her being a true world-class athlete who continues to be an inspiration to the Filipino people since her historic gold medal win in the Tokyo Olympics,” said PSA president Rey Lachica, sports editor of Tempo.
Aside from being a world-class athlete, Diaz is also an inspiration to the Filipino people. She’s a humble woman who gives back to her country and her community. She serves as a Staff Sergeant in the Philippine Air Force and spends her free time mentoring young weightlifters.
Last year was a memorable one for Diaz, who won a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and retained the gold in the women’s 55kg event during the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam. She entered a new phase of her life by tying the knot with long-time coach and fiancé Julius Naranjo.
The Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV, with major backers such as the Philippine Olympic Committee, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino, MILO, Rain or Shine, 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet, and ICTSI, will honor Diaz on March 6 at the San Miguel Corporation-PSA Awards Night.
Diaz’s story is one of perseverance and triumph.
She continues to blaze new trails and inspire others to do the same. She’s a true champion in every sense of the word, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
