Hidilyn Diaz,Pure Gold Indeed!

My brother recently texted me (July 26) regarding the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal finally won after a 97 year drought of no-wins since joining the Olympics.

It happened in Tokyo this year labelled as Tokyo 2020 Olympics because of the COVID-19 delay.

It was won by 30 year old Zamboanga City native Hidilyn Diaz in the weightlifting division. She won it in the 55 kg division in weightlifting specifically in the clean and jerk. She also achieved an Olympic record lift of 127 kg at that moment.

She now has the status now equal to that of a Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquaio.

She plans to continue her weightlifting career and to be an inspiration to all Filipinos —that nothing is impossible in this life.

.I was born and raised in the Philippines so I am fully aware that the Philippine sports programs there need more improvement and funding so as to be able to support its athletes. With such support comes great chances of achieving excellence in any sports competition –local or worldwide. Hopefully, this Olympic gold medal win will serve as a catalyst for sports program reform there in the very near future.

Even though I now live in Canada, I still have a soft spot for that country in Southeast Asia.

I also heard that Hidilyn is also a member of the military and because of her win, has just been promoted to Sergeant.

MABUHAY, SERGEANT HIDILYN—-our new Golden Girl!

Your initials are HD—for me, it will mean High Definition win!

Josie

• Hidilyn Diaz