Rep. Mikee Romero (1Pacman Party-list) yesterday said Hidilyn Diaz should be the guiding light of Filipino athletes who failed to qualify for the ongoing Rio Games, citing the journey and struggles the Mindanao weightlifter went through before ending the country’s 20-year medal drought in the quadrennial event.
After two failed tries for Olympic glory – Beijing in 2008 and London four years ago – Diaz made history Monday when she secured the silver medal in the 53-kilogram division, becoming the first Filipino female athlete to win a medal.
“She personifies the indomitable spirit of a great warrior because she never quits,” said Romero. “She should inspire all of us, not only athletes, because a quitter never wins.”
Romero, along with fellow representative Enrico Pineda, Ron Salo, Benhur Lopez, Sabiniano Canama, Teodoro Montoro, Salvador Belaro Jr., Vini Nola Ortega, Shernee Tan and Makmod Mending Jr, commended and congratulated Diaz’s silver medal win.
In a House Resolution No. 145, the representatives said Diaz’s win “affords great pride and honor to the country as it strives to produce better athletes out to conquer the world circuit.”
“Athletes should not stop learning because one defeat will not make you a failure. We must learn from our past mistakes, and from there, strategize well your goal just like what Diaz did,” added Romero.
The Zamboanga City pride almost quit the sport two years ago as her career almost going nowhere.
After being reunited with Zamboanga coach Elbert Atilano, Diaz decided to go down to 53-kilogram and her career began to flourish again, winning several international plaudits.
“Your time to shine will also come, so train your sights now for the Tokyo Games,” added Romero.
