Hidilyn Diaz launches children’s book about her weightlifting journey

Hidilyn Diaz hopes to transformher Rio de Janeiro silver into Tokyo gold.—SHERWIN VARDELEON

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Olympian Hidilyn Diaz has proved that she’s not just a champion on the stage but also in life.

In partnership with writer Eugene Evasco, Diaz launched her children’s book titled “Ginto’t Pilak” with Tristan Youvienco as the illustrator.

“This is one of my ‘why’s’ in life, before I won the silver medal for the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Olympics, I didn’t give up on my preparation for the Olympics because of the younger generation. I wanted to build a weightlifting gym for them, I built it, but what I want is to give them the inspiration to continue with their dream in weightlifting,” posted Diaz on Instagram.

“I came from nothing to eventually become a silver medalist. We never know, one of these kids might be the next gold medalist.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5sd-pMKDy/

Diaz was one of those Filipino athletes who quietly rose up in her field, winning medals in regional and continental competitions but it was her inspiring silver medal finish in the 2016 Rio Olympics that put the Philippine Air Force Sergeant on the sporting map.

She then dominated the -55 kilogram division in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and is currently preparing for the Tokyo Olympics that has been postponed to 2021.

“This is my advocacy, to spread awareness for weightlifting and to find the next athlete who will be better than I ever was,” said Diaz. “I thank God for giving me this mission in life and for giving me wisdom to continue my dream despite the trials and challenges I’ve endured.”

The book chronicling Diaz’ life shows how she rose above and broke through gender barriers especially in the patriarchal society that she grew up in.

Diaz went lifting water buckets and carrying tubs of fish in the market to becoming one of the sportswomen of her generation.

“This book is the story of my life to inspire the younger generation to dream high and tell them to reach their dream but they have to work hard because there is no instant in life,” said Diaz. “I hope you will get inspired by this book especially right now we are in Pandemic, we need inspiration, hope, and care.”

Ginto’t Pilak is worth P99 and is already available at Anvil Publishing’s online shop, Lazada, and Shopee.