GALLERY: Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz gets hero’s welcome
Hidilyn Diaz, the newest toast of Philippine Sports, was met with the warmest of welcomes upon touching down in Manila Thursday afternoon.
The country’s first Olympic medalist in 20 years was met by her peers from the Philippine Air Force, her parents, and other supporters including a marching band at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
After a brief press conference at the airport, she proceeded to meet President Duterte in Davao City the same day. Celest Flores-Colina
Hidilyn Diaz, who won the Silver in the women’s 53-kg Weightlifting of the Rio Olympics waves as she is applauded by her countrymen shortly upon arrival Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The Olympic medal was the highest and the first for the Philippines in 20 years.(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Hidilyn Diaz, who won the Silver in the women’s 53-kg Weightlifting of the Rio Olympics is applauded by her countrymen shortly upon arrival Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The Olympic medal was the highest and the first for the Philippines in 20 years.(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Philippine silver medallist at the Rio Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz is welcomed by Philippine Airforce personnel 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 PHOTO / NOEL CELIS
Philippine silver medallist at the Rio Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz is welcomed by Philippine Airforce personnel 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 PHOTO / NOEL CELIS
Hidilyn Diaz, center, who won Silver in the women’s 53-kg Weightlifting in the Rio Olympics poses with her parents Emelita and Eduardo Sr. following a news conference upon arrival Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The medal was the highest and the first for the Philippines in 20 years. Diaz dedicated her win to her mother.(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Philippine silver medallist at the Rio Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz displays her medal as she leaves the Manila International Airport in Manila on August 11, 2016.
Diaz is the country’s first Olympic winner in 20 years. / AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS
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 PHOTO / NOEL CELIS
Hidilyn Diaz, who won Silver in the women’s 53-kg Weightlifting in the Rio Olympics displays her medal as she poses with her mother Emelita, following a news conference upon arrival Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. The medal was the highest and the first for the Philippines in 20 years. Diaz dedicated her win to her mother. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
