Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bags first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.

By: Ethan Lui O. Ugay

Hidilyn Diaz, a Filipino weightlifter who is also a member of the Philippines' Air Force. Growing up she had different dreams but started to have a great interest in sports such as volleyball, basketball, and of course weightlifting.

Her Olympic journey began with the 2008 Summer Olympics when she was only 17 years old. Even though she did not bring home a medal, she was still praised by a lot of weightlifters, not only from the Philippines, but she was also getting praise from the International weightlifting community. 8 years later she won the very first Olympic medal for the Philippines in 20 years at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and that's when she became the very first Filipina to win an Olympic medal. 

After that she also conquered the 2018 Asian games in Indonesia, making her the first ever gold medalist for the Philippines at the Asian games. After dominating her past competitions she returned to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a goal set on her mind, to win the gold medal for her country. She obliterated the competition and became the first ever Olympic gold medalist for the Philippines.

Aside from her professional weightlifting career, she also is a member of the Philippines' Air force, she is currently ranked as 'Sergeant'. She also opened up a weight lifting gym in her home town to train kids for them to get better at weightlifting to reach astonishing heights.

Hidilyn Diaz has such a fulfilling story which can help be an inspiration for many young Filipino athletes. She proves that nothing is impossible with hardwork, passion, and dedication towards your dream.