Hidilyn to chase Paris gold

MANILA, Philippines, January 3 ------ Olympic gold-medal winner Hidilyn Diaz isn’t done serving the country yet. Welcoming 2022, Diaz made known her intention for another Olympic odyssey with an eye at snaring a second Olympic gold in the 2024 Paris Games. “New Year, new beginning, new goal,” said Diaz in a caption of her Instagram photo where she’s holding an Eiffel Tower replica.

Another photo shows the whole Hidilyn Diaz team holding the Eiffel Tower replica together, a clear indication they’re all in for the Paris aspiration. “We know this one is clear, our goals, our aspirations. Everything is achievable because we will manifest it, and work for it,” said Julius Naranjo, Diaz’s fiance and strength and conditioning coach, on his own social media post. “The first gold medal for the Philippines is not enough for our advocacy and what we are trying to do for weightlifting and sports in the Philippines. But TeamHD is committed and we will continue to do our best for the Philippines,” he added.

Naranjo also reiterated Diaz’s commitment to represent the country in several international events this year, including the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games in May and the Hangzhou Asiad in September. “Hidilyn Diaz’s journey is inspiring for many, but we know our job isn’t finished yet. Our next goals for 2022, up until 2024,” said Naranjo.

The Air Force woman delivered the country’s first Olympic gold in the Tokyo Games in July last year to add to the silver she copped in the 2016 Rio Olympics. If she advances to Paris, it would be the fifth Olympic appearance for Diaz.

But Diaz is aware there would be challenges ahead. Diaz would be 33 by the time she makes it to Paris, assuming she qualifies, and she might compete in a heavier category, possibly in 59 kilograms, as there were plans by organizers to trim down the number of weight classes. It might affect the 55kg division where Diaz struck gold. And the biggest worry of all –weightlifting is in danger of being scrapped from the Games due to weightlifting leadership woes and drug issues. But assuming everything falls into place, Diaz could be writing the final chapter of her glorious autobiography with the cover containing the photo of herself with a second Olympic gold around her neck.

Source: philstar.com