Hidilyn Diaz backed by Gretchen Ho in plea for weightlifting support

Gretchen Ho and Hidilyn Diaz. Image: Instagram/@gretchenho, @annepascual25

Champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz has been wisely using her unique position to lobby for more support to improve the state of weightlifting in the country.

The Olympic medalist gave a frank statement last Sept. 21 about how the sport is governed in a letter to Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Butch Ramirez.

The 27-year-old Olympian stated that athletes suffer from having “two associations” involved in the sport, which allegedly is in the interest of those in power.

She also said that she has been accused of being “mayabang” (arrogant) because of her appeals.

In response, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella lambasted Diaz for her statement, reported ABS-CBN News on Sept. 26. “Sino ang nagdala sa kaniya sa Olympics? Ako naman, di ba?” (Who brought her to the Olympics? It was me, right?)

To this end, TV host and volleyball player Gretchen Ho extended her support to Diaz in a tweet last Sept. 27. “Being outspoken [is not equal to being] mayabang (arrogant),” she wrote.

Being outspoken =/= mayabang

Minsan kailangan mo na talagang magsalita para sa ikabubuti mo at ng iba. Makinig naman kasi kayo, baka may punto.

Good job @diaz_hidilyn for using your platform!!! Supporting you. #ParaSaAtleta 👊🏻 https://t.co/oIg0VSoxAT

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) September 28, 2018

“Minsan kailangan mo na talagang magsalita para sa ikabubuti mo at ng iba. Makinig naman kasi kayo, baka may punto,” Ho said. (Sometimes you need to speak up for yourself and others’ benefit. Listen up, maybe there’s a point.)

“Good job @diaz_hidilyn [Hidilyn Diaz] for using your platform!!! Supporting you. #ParaSaAtleta,” she added.

While many have expressed support for Diaz and other athletes, one netizen had some grim advice.

Twitter user Louie (@louieboy4u) said, “Hidilyn stop ka na dyan. Kung ganyan lang din ang pamunuan nyan eh para saan pa ang pagod at hirap mo.” (Hidilyn stop already. If that’s how it is run then what is your hardship for?)

Seemingly let down, Diaz replied with three crying emoji. “Please wag ganito baka magstop n[a] ko.” (Please don’t be like this, I might just stop.)

“Don’t stop. Keep fighting. Dito kami lahat naka-support sayo (We’re all here supporting you),” replied Ho.

DON'T stop. Keep fighting. Dito kami lahat naka-support sayo.

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) September 29, 2018

It seems matters have smoothed out since the fiery exchange of words between Diaz and Puentevella. The SWP chief said he and Diaz are working hand-in-hand for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, following a talk which included him and her coach Antonio Agustin. JB

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