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Friday, March 29, 2024

Hidilyn Diaz is a modern-day warrior new online campaign

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This pandemic has witnessed the rise of modern-day heroes, from frontliners to ordinary citizens with extraordinary contributions to our community. They and the thousand many others who exhibit courage and strength in facing life’s many adversities are the true treasures of society. They make living in the new normal bearable. Best of all, they give everyone hope for the future of humanity.

Hidilyn Diaz is a modern-day warrior new online campaign
The silver medalist weightlifter athlete Hidilyn Diaz talks about her preparation for the coming Summer Olympics, her mission for the country, and being a ‘mandirigma’ in the modern world.

In honor of their meaningful contributions, Alaxan FR, a trusted brand of pain reliever, launched the ‘Mandirigmonth’ campaign to recognize the men and women who exemplify hard work and perseverance despite the many hurdles that test their endurance and resilience. They are the ones who live out the #LabanLang spirit. These individuals received Laban Lang Gears containing essentials that will empower them in their commute or work to triumph over the challenges that come their way.

And while on the topic of the modern-day warrior, celebrated weightlifter, and Alaxan FR brand ambassador Hidilyn Diaz is one shining example of having triumphed over adversities and successfully bringing pride to the country. 

True warrior

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Fresh from her recent win at the Asian Weightlifting Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Hidilyn is in high spirits as she talked about her latest feat.

“Akala ko noong una, imposibleng magkaroon ng laro, imposibleng makaalis sa Malaysia, imposible na makaka-apak ako sa international platform, at imposible na ma-meet ko ang 6th Olympic qualifying competition na required para makapag-qualify ako sa Summer Olympics… With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible,” shared Hidilyn who finished 4th place in the competition with a record lift of 94kg in snatch and 118kg in clean and jerk.

Perhaps unknown to many, Hidilyn and her team of coaches were stranded in Malaysia since the first quarter of last year after its government declared a national lockdown because of the pandemic. She was all set to fly to Colombia to compete at the Ibero-America Open Championships 2020, supposed to be her final Olympic qualifying competition, but all borders have been closed, competitions were either postponed or canceled, and athletes were sent home.

“Mahirap na part noong nangyari ang lockdown all over the world, ‘di namin alam ang gagawin, kung ano ang next move. Wala rin kaming kilala dito sa Malaysia, walang connection, ‘di namin alam ang lugar, at ano ang mga bawal at pwede… Then syempre, during this moment, ‘di maiwasan na magka-anxiety, mag-overthink, may takot at na-miss ang pamilya…”

Unable to return to the Philippines, they were also faced with the big dilemma of how to continue her training. The answer came to them in the form of spacious parking lots, big plastic gallons filled with water, and heavy metal gates. These have become her gym, weights, and monkey bars.

“Gagawin ang lahat basta makapag-training. From gallons of water naging bag na may laman ng gallons of water during the lockdown,” said Hidilyn remembering how she and her coaches became creative in finding ways to train and to stay on track towards their journey to the Olympics.

She continued, “Not being able to train and being stuck at home quarantine has been very difficult for me. But I must stay proactive and find ways to keep moving…Tuloy ang laban dahil mandirigma tayo.” 

Check out Hidilyn Diaz’s video on the Alaxan Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AlaxanFastRelief) and leave your message of support for the country's Olympics champion.  You may also share your Laban Lang moments and be models of resilience and triumph to others. 

#LabanLang

With Tokyo 2020 happening in July, Hidilyn is back in the thick of her training. “Kailangan malakas para maging the best of the best sa world, at para makapaglaro sa Olympics… 

“My coaches are working together to make my program work for me and allow me to be in the best condition…They are also making sure that I do not lose sight of our goal that is to bring home the country’s first-ever gold medal.”

Now more than ever, Hidilyn is steadfast on her mission as a modern-day warrior not just for herself but for her country. “I will remain focused and determined to improve every single day together with my team who prepared me and sacrificed a lot to represent the Philippines.”      

Hidilyn was 17 when she began her weightlifting career. At 25, she won the silver medal from Rio 2016. Now at 30, Tokyo 2020 is her 4th time to qualify in the Olympics and she currently holds the second spot in the world ranking.

Who would have thought that Hidilyn’s curiosity in weightlifting would bring her this far?

“Nag-try na ako ng iba’t ibang sports pero medyo hindi maganda yung nagiging resulta ng laro, parati akong talo. Sa weightlifting, natatalo ko yung mga pinsan kong lalaki kaya sabi ko dito ako.

“Nag-start ako by curiosity… Ang ginagamit kong equipment yung barbell na semento… Sa weightlifting, na-feel ko na ito yung sports na gusto ko, ito yung mag-e-excel ako.”

Hidilyn has never stopped training since. Her regular training would run six to 11 sessions a week enduring muscle soreness, mental breakdown, physical and even emotional fatigue.

“You know how it is in weightlifting. When you’re younger, the strength is there. When you get a little older, you start feeling body pains. More often than not, in all parts of your body, there’s pain. 

“Sometimes even your brain hurts because weightlifting is also a mental game! When you’re not focused, it affects your performance,” she relates.

It is during these instances that Hidilyn seeks help from her trusted body pain reliever. “Just one Alaxan FR and the fight against body pain is over. In no time, I’d be up and ready to train the next day. Sa sakit ng katawan, sa lahat ng laban natin sa buhay, ang mandirigmang tulad ko, laban lang.”

Alaxan FR is a product of pharmaceutical and health care company, Unilab. It is doctor-recommended and proven for different types of body pain. It is also a trusted brand by modern-day warriors like Olympic-medalist Hidilyn.

Lastly, the champion weightlifter has a reminder to all modern-day warriors, community pantry organizers, and the likes, especially those who are struggling in the new normal: “Use this pandemic to prepare and become better so you can achieve your dreams. Especially the youth of today who are just about starting their lives. ‘Wag susuko kahit mahirap. Ituloy n’yo ang laban para sa pangarap dahil kayo ang mga bagong mandirigma. Laban lang!” 

Check out Hidilyn Diaz’s video on the Alaxan Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AlaxanFastRelief) and leave your message of support for the country's Olympics champion.  You may also share your Laban Lang moments and be models of resilience and triumph to others.

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