Hidilyn inspiring Filipina athletes

For her dedication, discipline, passion and commitment, Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz will be feted in the 1st Women in Sports Awards on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Diaz, who worked her way up until becoming the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal, will be recognized as the Flame Awardee together with volleyball ace Alyssa Valdez, skateboarder Margielyn Diaz, cue artist Rubilen Amit and mountain climber Carina Dayondon in the event organized by the Philippine Commission on Women in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Hidilyn, Margielyn, Alyssa, Rubilen and Carina have been the paragons of passion and dedication, inspiring legions of fans while motivating others in pursuing careers in their respective disciplines,” PSC commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, who has oversight over the agency’s athletic programs for women, said.

Diaz is a prime example of perseverance as she had to compete in four editions of the Olympics before finally nailing the gold medal in the women’s 55-kilogram division in Tokyo in 2021.

Despite turning into a sports icon, Diaz and her husband, Julius Naranjo, established a training camp for aspiring weightlifters in Jala-Jala, Rizal.

Now, Diaz is shooting for a return flight to the Olympics to win the gold medal anew and make the Filipinos, especially the female athletes, proud.

“Don’t forget that I am a woman,” Diaz said after getting elected as a member of the Athletes Commission of the International Weightlifting Federation last year.

“I represent women’s weightlifting and I have a say in the development of our sport. This is fundamental for me.”

Also to be recognized in the gala event supported by Milo, CEL Logistics and Wrist Pod is Valdez, who has been the poster girl of local women’s volleyball for more than a decade since breaking into the scene as a talented rookie spiker with the Ateneo Lady Blue Eagles.