After a total lift of 224 kg, Diaz, who is a four-time Olympian was victorious in the 55-kilogram women’s weightlifting competition – an Olympic record. She broke down when she realized she had won.
“I am 30 years old and I thought it would be like going down, my performance, but I was shocked I was able to do it,” Diaz said in a post-match interview, Reuters reported.
Harry Roque, the Philippine presidential spokesperson, stated in writing that Diaz brought pride to the Philippines.
“Congratulations Hidilyn. He added that the entire Filipino nation is proud to have you as their president.
The first performance of the Filipino national anthem at the Olympics was the medal ceremony. She clutched her medal and held it close to her chest, then embraced her trainers and wept.
According to Reuters, Diaz was stuck in Malaysia last year while she tried to reach Peru for the Olympic qualifying event. She had to stay there for five months because of a travel ban imposed by the government due to a COVID-19 epidemic. Diaz claimed that she set up a gym and used water bottles to train during this time.
