Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first and only Olympic gold medalist, has pledged to continue her weightlifting journey despite falling short in her bid to qualify for a fifth consecutive Olympics.
Diaz, 33, was surpassed by compatriot Elreen Ando in the IWF World Cup 59kg class in Thailand, resulting in Ando securing a Paris weightlifting spot for the Philippines.
With only one athlete per country allowed to qualify in each weight division, Diaz, who clinched gold in Tokyo’s 55kg category, finished 11th overall.
Despite her disappointment, Diaz remains committed to the sport, expressing uncertainty about her participation in the next Olympics but emphasizing her determination to continue training and supporting fellow athletes. She plans to establish her own sports academy soon.
Diaz’s transition to the heavier 59kg class has posed challenges, especially when competing against naturally larger athletes.
The event, won by China’s Luo Shifang with a new world record, saw Diaz struggling to match her past achievements. Despite this setback, Diaz expressed gratitude to her supporters and affirmed her commitment to inspiring Filipino youth in sports.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 5, 2024
