Romero: Diaz an inspiration to nat’l athletes

Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz celebrates during the women’s 53kg weightlifting event at the Rio 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. AFP

HIDILYN Diaz should be the guiding light of Filipino athletes who failed to qualify for the ongoing Rio Olympics, according to Rep. Mikee Romero (1Pacman Party-list) Tuesday.

Romero cited the struggles Diaz went through before ending the country’s 20-year medal drought in the Olympics—she failed in two previous bids before becoming the first Filipino female to win an Olympic medal.

“She should inspire all of us, not only athletes,” said Romero.

Romero, along with fellow representatives Enrico Pineda, Ron Salo, Benhur Lopez, Sabiniano Canama, Teodoro Montoro, Salvador  Belaro Jr., Vini Nola Ortega, Shernee Tan and Makmod Mending Jr. commended and congratulated Diaz’s silver medal effort.

In House Resolution No. 145, the representatives said Diaz’s win “affords great pride and honor to the country as it strives to produce better athletes out to conquer the world circuit.”