The Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy, set to become the nurturing ground for the next generation of Filipino weightlifters, commenced construction on November 5 in Jala-jala, Rizal.
Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first and only Olympic champion, expressed her hope that the academy would be completed in four months, aligning with her preparations for a potential participation in the Paris Games scheduled for July next year.
Taking to Instagram, Diaz emphasized the significance of the academy, stating, “This is just so important to me, as I prepare for the Paris 2024, I have a place to train together with the kids who dream to be in the national team, be a world champion, and Olympic medalist.”
Diaz has remained dedicated to her mission of cultivating weightlifting heroes, aiming to build upon the progress the sport has achieved following her historic Olympic triumph in the Tokyo Games of 2021.
At 32 years old, Diaz faces a new challenge as she competes in the heavier weight division of 59kg, following the removal of her original weight class of 55kg, in which she reigned supreme in Tokyo.
Since moving up in weight, the pride of Zamboanga has delivered promising results, narrowly missing out on a podium finish with a fourth-place position in the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, in October.
Now, Diaz sets her sights on qualifying for the Paris Olympics, which would mark her fifth consecutive Olympic appearance.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 8, 2023
