By NIKOLE JAVIER
Hidilyn Diaz, who once dreaming of winning an award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), received her fourth Athlete of the Year plum and her had supporters and naysayers alike to thank in the grueling journey.
The weightlifting star is looking to bring home the gold medal for the second time when she competes in the 2024 Paris Games.
“Dati pinapangarap ko lang to, ngayon fourth time na. Parang kailangan lang nagsimula akong maging atleta na nangangarap lang makatanggap ng isang PSA award. Kahit citation lang, gusto kong mag-attend dito. Pero ngayon pang apat na,” said Diaz during PSA’s Annual Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel on Monday, March 6.
“Sa susunod na taon Olympics ulit at gagawin ko ang lahat para makuha ulit ang gintong medalya sa Paris Olympics. At sana makabalik dito sa susunod na taon para sa ikalimang Athlete of the Year award. Manifesting for the Philippines.”
Diaz won the award in 2016 for the first time following her strong performance in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics that led to a silver medal finish.
The 32-year-old is only the fourth athlete to win the award four times, with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and bowling icon Paeng Nepomuceno having five each to their name.
“Pero nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga nagda-doubt sa akin, sa mga naysayers kasi na cha-challenge rin ako. Pero ang mga totoong tao na nakapaligid sa akin ang nakakaalam kung gaano kahirap ang pinahdaanan ko sa training,” said Diaz.
