HIDILYN F. Diaz, the first Filipino woman and Mindanaoan to win an Olympic medal, has denied claims she is a lesbian.
“Madalas tinatanong nila kung tomboy raw ko,” said Diaz, during an interview on “Tonight with Boy Abunda” on ABS-CBN.
Asked if she got offended by that question, Diaz said: “Hindi po.” When grilled if she is a lesbian, the female athlete said: “No.”
Abunda then praised Diaz and said: “You’re prettier in person.” Diaz thanked the television host.
The Olympian also admitted she has been heartbroken in the past – but she has moved on.
“Sa ngayon, single po ako. Nasawi na po ako. Pero ngayon, choosy na ako at namimili na ako ng tao kung sino ang dapat mahalin,” said Diaz.
But Diaz, 25, said that she has moved on from a failed relationship.
“Pag masaya ka na at may nakikita kang lovers, hindi ka na bitter. Hindi mo na sinasabi, ‘Ano bayan sila? Napaka-cheesy or nakakainis,’” said Diaz, who won a silver medal in the women’s 53 kg weightlifting category at the 2016 Rio Olympics recently.
Diaz said that she believes in hard work but not much on luck. “Konti lang. Naniniwala akong kapag ginawa mo ang best mo, God will do the rest.”
“Medyo malas din ako sa buhay. Hindi kasi ako nananalo sa mga raffle-raffle po,” she added.
Diaz said her family inspires her, especially her mother. “Pag may laro ako binibilhan ko sila ng pasalubong. Tapos kung may pera ako, nagbibigay ako sa mga magulang ko, sa mga kapatid ko.”
Asked what she was thinking during the contest proper at the Olympics, Diaz said: “Iniisip ko po ‘yung technique ko. Ang nakikita ko lang nun, referee lang. Kinakausap ko ’yung sarili ko at sinasabi kong kaya ko ito. Nagawa ko na po ito dati.”
Diaz gamely answered questions at the “Fast Talk” portion of the late-night program.