HIDILYN Diaz, 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist in weightlifting, flew to Indonesia yesterday Saturday to represent the country in the 2018 Asian Games.
Seen by many as the country’s best hope for a first ever Olympic gold Hidilyn has prepared hard and is ready for this Asiad. She was a bronze medalist in the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand and achieved 10th place at the 2006 Asian Games. She hopes to do better in this regional competition.
“Sa Asian Games I don’t really want to expect anything. Pero syempre we are hoping for podium finish. Lahat naman kami na athlete gusto na manalo. And gagawin ko ang part ko as an athlete and as a representative ng Pilipinas. I will do my best,” said Hidilyn.
She is not looking past the Asian Games. But being successful in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is never far from her mind.
“Meron pa qualifying for Tokyo 2020 Olympics on November 1. Next competition sa November. Nagbago na kasi ang weight category. So 55 kg na. So mas madali sa akin ito. Ngayon nagda drop ako ng weight para makapaglaro dahil 53 kg ang nilalaro ko sa Asian Games,” said Hidilyn.
She says she’s grateful that has come her way after she won the Olympic medal. But she says it has not changed her in anyway.
“Hindi ko alam kung celebrity ako. Pero dahil sa pagkapanalo ko nagbago dahil nagkaroon ng boses ang isang atleta. Nagbago in the sense na binigyan din ako ng material things. Siguro merong privileges. Konting privilege pero as an athlete ganoon pa rin,” said Hidilyn.
Her Olympic success has opened doors which has allowed her to do more not only for herself but more importantly for her fellow athletes.
“As an athlete ang dami kong gusto gawin. Gusto kong i-voice out kung ano ang mga pangangailangan naming mga athletes. Then syempre for myself ang dami kong gusto gawin. As an athlete nakikita ko hindi lang pala manalo ang goal. After manalo sa Olympics meron ka pa rin palang responsibilities. Naging public figure ka na. Iyong responsibilidad mo ay maging magandang ehemplo para sa mga kabataan,” said Hidilyn.
Following her Olympic success she has held seminars, tournaments and outreach programs for youngsters who hope to follow in her footsteps. She is happy to serve as role model for Filipina girls who have big dreams whether it is in sports or in other fields.
“Marami pang hihigit kay Hidilyn Diaz. Sabi ko nga sa kanila. Magiging better pa sila,” said Hidilyn.
She flew to Indonesia yesterday, Saturday morning to participate in the 2018 Asian Games. She hopes to do the country proud when she competes in weightlifting on Tuesday, August 21.