Hidilyn Diaz says she is surprised to bag an Olympic gold
After 97 years, the Philippines finally won its first-ever Olympic gold, and it’s all thanks to Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz!
On the eve of 26th July, Diaz made history for the country after edging out China’s Liao Qiuyun and Kazakhstan’s Zulfiya Chinshanio at the women’s 55kg category, ending the country’s Olympic gold-medal drought for 97 years. And she’s also aware of the magnitude of her victory, as she told reporters after her win that she was surprised she was able to bag the gold.
‘Nasorpresa ako na nagawa ko ‘yun’ (I was surprised that I was able to do it. God is exceptional)
Image credit: @tokyo2020
“Nasorpresa ako na nagawa ko ‘yun. Kakaiba si God. (I was surprised that I was able to do it. God is exceptional),” Diaz told Gretchen Ho after the awarding ceremony.
“Kaya natin, kaya nating mga Pilipino (We can do it, we Filipinos can do it),” she said.
Image credit: @tokyo2020
Diaz was also not immediately aware that she was making two new Olympic records after lifting 127 kg in the Clean and Jerk and finishing with 224 kg in total. “Actually hindi ko alam na Olympic record na ‘yung ginagawa ko hindi din ako makapaniwala nandun ‘yung pangalan ko sa Olympic record so am really thankful,” Diaz added.
This can be translated as: “Actually, I didn’t know that I was setting an Olympic record, and I also could not believe my name is on the Olympic record so I am really thankful.”
Diaz says she will carry on
In a separate interview with other Filipino journalists captured on ABS-CBN News, Diaz also shared that she will carry on with her weightlifting career after her historic win.
“Hindi ako mag-istop kasi kaya ko pa. Alam kong may ibibigay pa ako sa Pilipinas,” she said, which means “I will not stop since I’m still capable. I know I still have something to give to the Philippines” in English.
As for the next Olympics, which will be held in Paris in 2024, Diaz admitted she’s scared about the next Games, but she will continue as long as her strength holds.
A total of P35.5 million plus a Tagaytay house & lot await her
Image credit: @tokyo2020
The gold medalist will receive a whopping total of P35.5 million plus a Tagaytay City house and lot. P10 million will come from the government as mandated by law, another P10 million from Manny V. Pangilinan, P10 million from Ramon S. Ang, P3 million from deputy speaker Mikee Romero, and P2.5 million from her hometown Zamboanga City as also mandated by law.
Hidilyn Diaz takes the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic Gold
Finally, the Philippines’ dream of winning gold is already a reality after Hidilyn Diaz’s historic win.
All her perseverance to go through all the challenges along the way paid off, as she now holds our first Olympic gold and also sets a new record.
Mabuhay ka, Hidilyn!
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Cover image adapted from: @tokyo2020