HIDILYN DIAZ, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, will be forever adored by this grateful nation hungry for sporting glory.
Beaten and denied a fifth Olympic appearance, the mercurial Ms. Diaz still stood tall in the eyes of the Filipinos, thanks to her magnificence in the Tokyo Games where she delivered the country its breakthrough Olympic mint.
It was an effort that left an imprint that would be eternally remembered and served as an inspiration to others dreaming the big dreams amid overwhelming odds the way Ms. Diaz did.
“More than 20 years ago, we started with one, then two in Brazil and Tokyo, and now three and four to be confirmed officially by the International Weightlifting Federation in a months time,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella.
“We now have new kids on the block, and yet, even with the loss of our Tokyo gold medalist Hidilyn (Diaz) last night (Wednesday), please remember that she inspired these new lifters.”
“She did her best and we all thank her for her great contribution to our Olympic sport,” he added.
Just moments after Phuket, Ms. Diaz did not discount the possibility of lifting again.
“I will still lift, but I’m not sure for the next Olympics,” said Ms. Diaz in an interview with international news agency Agence France-Presse.
“Right now, I have to enjoy the moment. I will pursue what I have started, training and serving our athletes in the future,” she added.
Ms. Diaz also vowed to open her own sports academy soon.
“Our initiative of giving inspiration to our youth and Filipinos in sports will go up to the next level,” she said.
For Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, he praised Ms. Diaz for her unflagging spirit.
“All the praise and applause to Hidilyn Diaz as well for her unwavering competitive spirit and sportsmanship,” said Mr. Tolentino.
If Filipinos will end up winning an Olympic gold again, they will all go back to the one that giftwrapped it to the country first.
Her name is Hidilyn Diaz.
Or you can call her legend. — Joey Villar