PARIS (Via PLDT Home) – The Philippines’ first and so far only Olympic gold medalist in Hidilyn Diaz is coming to the games, not as an athlete, but as a member of the International Weightlifting Federation Athletes’ Commission.
This was confirmed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Dicky Bachmann on Tuesday as the PH team braced for a hectic schedule.
“She’s arriving either on Aug. 3 or Aug. 4,” said Bachmann in a text message, adding that Diaz’s arrival will be a great source of inspiration for other Filipino athletes still contention, including her fellow weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno.
“Her presence will definitely add a much-needed inspiration to all our athletes competing in these Games especially that we have a very good start in this Olympics,” said Bachmann. “She is the face of Philippine sports.”
Weightlifting boss Monico Puentevella concurred.
“Her presence alone is enough to give other Filipino athletes the extra boost,” said Puentevella.
The Zamboanga native Diaz, who captured the country’s first Olympic gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, remains a towering figure in Philippine sports as her feat has become a shining moment for the nation, while her humility and grace have made her a role model for millions.
Marking a new chapter in her journey to develop future Filipino champions, Diaz inaugurated her weightlifting academy on July 26, the third-year anniversary of her golden conquest in the Tokyo games.
