One last shot for Hidilyn
Philippine silver medallist at the Rio Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz shows her medal during a press conference as she arrives at the Manila International Airport in Manila on August 11, 2016. Diaz is the country’s first Olympic winner in 20 years. AFP
For Olympic silver girl Hidilyn Diaz, Tokyo 2020 is most likely her last Summer Games stint.
The 27-year-old weightlifter, who ended a 20-year medal dry spell for the country when she finished second in the Rio Olympics two years ago, is setting her focus on her personal life after the next Games.
“After Tokyo, I look forward to enjoying my life and raising a family,” said the 27-year-old Diaz Saturday morning at the launch of the second Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Open Championships.
Diaz, who practically matured in the spotlight having been an Olympic hopeful since the age of 16, also bared that she’s in a relationship.
“I have a love life; we’re just starting,” she told a handful of sportswriters at Crossfit Ortigas, where she was accompanied by MVP Sports Foundation executive director Patricia Hizon and Samahang Weightlifting sa Pilipinas head Monico Puentevella.
Diaz is one of the bright gold prospects for the Tokyo Games (See related story on this page).
Diaz, who will also compete in the Asian Games in Indonesia this August and most likely in the Southeast Asian Games next year, said she has seen a lot of potential “heirs apparent” among young Filipino lifters.
“This tournament is no longer for me but for the future,” said Diaz of the tourney slated July 27 to 29 at Meralco Multipurpose Hall.
Some 150 participants are expected to see action including lifters from abroad and local colleges.
Among those who piqued Diaz’s fancy were fellow Zamboangueñas Rose Gie Ramos and Jane Linete Hipolito who are hoping to get wildcard entries to the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in October.
“These young lifters perform at an international level,” added Diaz who was also assisted by tournament director Cyrus Cruz and national coach Tony Agustin.
