RUSSIA and China were among nine countries that were suspended for a year by the International Weightlifting Federation because of doping allegations.
For Hidilyn Diaz, the absence of many heavily favored lifters allowed her a chance to snatch a pair of medals in the women’s 53 kg class at the 2017 International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in Anaheim, California.
The suspensions were implemented during the World Championships, with the IWF also suspending lifters from Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey and Ukraine.
Diaz took home a bronze after lifting 199 kilograms in total lifts, while her 113 clean and jerk effort was good for a silver.
Now that she’s back in Manila, her coach Tony Agustin is getting Diaz ready for qualification competitions that will earn her points for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Umpisa na sa Asian Games. Pang-qualifying na ito para makapuntos sa Continental (qualification),” said Agustin, during the Sports Chat Forum with scribes at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Athletes Lounge.
Agustin said the Asiad will be part of a series of competitions that Diaz needs to join.
Diaz, who has gone down in weight from 58 kgs, said her new weight class has been a challenge since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“Mahirap ito. ‘Pag gusto mo mag-compete (in the 53 kg), kailangan sakripisyo,” said Diaz, who is very mindful of her diet.
Diaz talked about her preparations for next year’s Asiad at a time when the IWF has been under pressure to clean up it ranks or face being dropped from the Olympics.
As for Agustin, the absence of many lifters whom they consider are strong contenders will be an opportunity for Diaz to improve on her performance.
“Tinitingnan na natin ang mga dapat niyang ma-improve,” added Agustin.