Senate to fete Olympic heroine Hidilyn Diaz

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)

The Senate is set to honor Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz in one of its regular sessions this week.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III described Diaz’s feat as a “wonderful triumph of courage and indomitable will of the Filipino athlete.”

“She is the toast of the country, a courageous girl who trained hard to pursue a dream. Her never-say-die spirit should inspire us to aim higher,” Pimentel said in a statement.

READ: Hidilyn Diaz:  I almost quit weightlifting before Rio Olympics

The Senate president said that Diaz has “tenacity within her, and strength of character.”

Diaz won silver in the 53 kg. weightlifting division in the Rio Olympics.

The athlete returned to the country last Thursday and met with President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City where she received a P2 million government incentive from the Chief Executive.

READ: Hidilyn Diaz gets P2M bonus from Duterte

She is also set to reap rewards, including a brand new house and lot from a realty firm, and a surprise package from Senate sports committee chair Manny Pacquiao. JE/rga

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