By REY C. LACHICA
HANGZHOU, China – Tokyo Games Olympic winner Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo knows she is facing a gargantuan task in her bid to win another gold in the weightlifting competitions in the 19th Asian Games.
One thing good about her in spite of the tremendous pressure is that she came in this beautiful metropolis ready and inspired.
“Whether it’s the Olympics or the Asian Games, I have to be ready to compete,’’ said Diaz-Naranjo, who won the gold during the 2018 edition of Asiad in Indonesia.
The “Superwoman” from Zamboanga City further cemented as one the greatest Filipino athletes when she won the country’s first Olympic gold during the Tokyo Games two years ago.
In both occasions, she competed in the 55-kilogram class.
Problem now for Diaz is that she be vying in a heavier weight division at 59kg on Monday, a development that put her in a perilous situation.
In her initial foray in the bulkier class, Diaz struggled big time as she finished a far 7th.
However, she remained resolute, claiming her desire to give the nation another reason to be happy has not diminished even a bit.
“I just want to represent our country again in the Asian Games. This is the second biggest competition next to the Olympics,’’ said Diaz.
Apart from Diaz, also fancied to do well in the 5-man PH team is Vanessa Sarno. She will compete in the women’s 76kg on Oct. 5.
Rosegie Ramos is competing in the women’s 49kg at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Gymnasium.
