Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz wins Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal, breaking nation’s 97-year drought
Olympian weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gained the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines on the Tokyo Video games on Monday, breaking the nation’s 97-year drought.
Diaz, a four-time Olympian, emerged victorious within the ladies’s 55-kilogram weightlifting competitors after an general raise of 224 kilograms — an Olympic document. After realizing she gained, she broke into tears.
“I’m 30 years outdated and I assumed it could be like taking place, my efficiency, however I used to be shocked I used to be in a position to do it,” Diaz stated in a post-match interview, Reuters reported.
Philippines’ presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated in a written assertion that Diaz introduced delight and glory to the Philippines.
“Congratulations, Hidilyn. Your entire Filipino nation is pleased with you,” he added.
Through the medal ceremony, the Filipino nationwide anthem was performed for the primary time on the Olympics following her victory. She held her palms to her face and burst into tears earlier than embracing her trainers and clutching her medal on the podium.
Final 12 months, Diaz had been caught in Malaysia, the place she stopped on her method to Peru for an Olympic qualifying occasion, for about 5 months below a authorities journey ban due to a COVID-19 outbreak, in accordance with Reuters. Diaz stated she constructed a health club and educated with water bottles throughout that point.
The Philippines first entered the Olympics in 1924, when David Nepomuceno ran within the 100- and 200-meter sprints.
