Duterte honors fellow Mindanaoan’s feat

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his message for Rio-bound Filipino athletes. MARLON RAMOS

PRESIDENT Duterte has extended his congratulations to Hidilyn Diaz for bringing honor to the country following her silver medal finish in the weightlifting competition in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Speaking with reporters in Davao City on Monday night, the President said he was looking forward to welcoming the 25-year-old Olympian in Malacañang.

“As the President of this country,  I’m overjoyed,” a visibly ecstatic Mr. Duterte said.  “Silver is silver whatever they say.”

“I’m praying that you’ll be successful in your many courses [in] life and in the Olympics. I admire you … Thank you for your effort. I salute you,” he added.

The Chief Executive said he was also elated that Diaz was inspired by his speech during the sendoff ceremony for the small Philippine contingent to the Olympics held in the Rizal Hall of the Palace last month.

In his sendoff address, the President encouraged the Filipino Olympians to do their best as he pointed out that not everybody was given the chance to represent the country in international competitions.

“It’s not in the winning. [It’s] your drive to strive to win. But if you win, of course we’re extra happy,” he said.

Diaz, a native of Zamboanga City, secured the silver medal in the 53-kilogram class of the weightlifting contest, ending the country’s 20-year medal drought in the Olympics.

Mr. Duterte became the first person from Mindanao to be elected President of the Republic while Diaz also made history by becoming the first athlete from Mindanao to win a medal in the Olympics.

Diaz is also the first Filipino woman to win an Olympic medal.