Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz reacts while competing in the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo on July 26, 2021. (Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — After reaching the pinnacle of her sport, weightlifting queen Hidilyn Diaz is not done yet.
Less than 24 hours after her historic win at the Tokyo Olympics, Diaz has now set her sights on the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games in 2022 and the World Weightlifting Championships scheduled in Lima, Peru later this year.
“I will focus on the SEA Games and then the world championships,” Diaz said during a Zoom press conference Tuesday.
There have been talks about her possible retirement with the Tokyo Games likely her swan song.
But the 30-year-old Diaz made it clear that her glittering career is far from over.
“I won’t stop because I can still do it. I saw how good I was and I know that I can still give more for the Philippines together with my Team HD and of course, with the help of POC and PSC,” Diaz said in Filipino.
“Also, I can’t give up after winning. You all know that I still need to continue to inspire the young generation to still dream,” she added. “I need to continue until someone succeeds me.”
The pride of Zamboanga City is also looking at competing in her fifth consecutive Olympics in Paris 2024 which, just like her previous stints, promises to be a tough one.
“I’m scared. I’m scared for Paris. Qualifying will be difficult, but if I still have the strength I will continue.”