Gold medal or bust for Hidilyn Diaz in Turkmenistan tilt

Rio Olympians Kirstie Alora (left) and Hidilyn Diaz during a roundtable discussion at College of St. Benilde. Photo by Bong Lozada

Olympian Hidilyn Diaz hasn’t competed in a major weightlifting tournament since her silver medal finish in the Rio Summer Games, and she heads to the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games knowing the pressure has built up.

Most of the pressure, though, is coming from within.

“I’m not pressured by anyone except myself,” said Diaz in Filipino Thursday during a small luncheon with the media at College of St. Benilde, where she studies Business Management. “I always think to myself ‘do I still have it in me?’ because I was relaxed for four months.”

Diaz became the poster girl of Philippine sports in 2016 when she ended the country’s 20-year medal drought winning the silver medal in the women’s -53 kilogram event.

Her triumph in Rio was her moment in the sun but after reaching the peak doubts have started to creep in.

“The comeback is the hardest part, after so many tears I don’t know if I can ever return to that form,” said Diaz who lifted a total of 200 kg. in Rio. “I think this is why other medalists or champions quit after winning because it’s hard to sustain the strength and the discipline after all the accolades.”

Diaz said she wouldn’t be pleased with herself if she can’t take the gold medal in the AIMAG in Turkmenistan, where other Filipino athletes are also competing, from September 17 to 27.

Simply put, it’s championship or bust for the 26-year-old weightlifter.

“I have to set my mind that the only acceptable thing for me to bring home is the gold medal,” said Diaz. “I must be determined because I can’t be contented with what I am right now.”