By MARK REY MONTEJO
Glory and history.
That’s what Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo brought to the whole country when she pulled off a sensational final lift in the clean and jerk to eclipse world-record holder China’s Qiuyun Liao by 1-kilogram in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and give the Philippines its first-ever gold medal since joining a century ago.
The 33-year-old Diaz’s sheer dedication and unparalleled work ethic, which was witnessed by her fans and colleagues throughout the years – from her humble beginnings in the regional and national events until her biggest break in 2008 Beijing edition, showed how worthy she is for every ounce of the gold medal.
However, the pride of Zamboanga’s Olympic streak came to an end as she fell short to qualify in the nearing Paris Games after rising star Elreen Ando bested her in the women’s -59kg event of the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, earlier this month.
Ando placed seventh while Diaz fell to 11th place.
In a long and heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, April 11, Diaz vowed to continue her lifting career, noting she wants to inspire more aspiring athletes and help them bring pride and joy to the country.
She also congratulated the Filipino athletes who participated in the Olympic Qualifiers.
“It’s the end of my #Paris2024 Olympic journey, I will still lift, continue to lift, and inspire young Filipino Athletes to become Olympic Champions. The result was not according to what I wanted and planned. But Thy will be done. It was not my day and #Paris2024 is not for me,” said Diaz.
“Congratulations to all the weightlifters around the world who qualified in #Paris2024, especially the Filipino Athletes, and to the athletes who did their best in the last Olympic Qualifying Competition,” she added.
Diaz also expressed her gratitude to her loved ones for their support — saying that it is them who will always be his greatest win in life.
“I realized what is forever: and it is not FAME, not money, not even winning or losing. but God, family, and real friends. These are my FOREVER. Thank you for your heartfelt messages of love and support,” Diaz wrote.
“Winning is not everything; It is being on the platform and taking on the challenges that give inspiration to other athletes. Thank you to the athletes who messaged me and said that I inspired them. I served and will continue to serve my purpose in weightlifting, as I inspire many athletes to dream high, take the challenge, and work hard to achieve their dreams and never give up. Just LIFT! You can do it,” she added.
The four-time Olympian shared that she is ready to embark on a new chapter as she looks forward to joining workshops, learning about business, spending more time with her family and learning new things in life.
Now, it’s time for Diaz to give back to the sport she loves and give other aspiring weightlifters the lift they need to achieve their own dreams.
“I will have time to give back to sports and weightlifting. Julius and I will do a fundraising weightlifting 101 for grassroots and the @hdweightliftingacademy,” Diaz wrote.
“I truly believe God has a better plan. I trust Him and for now, because of my love for God, weightlifting, my country and for all of you… I will continue to LIFT everything – all in God’s hands!!!” she concluded.
