Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz forgives Palace for oust-Duterte tag

Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz reacts after placing first in the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo on July 26, 2021. (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Tokyo Olympics weightlifting  gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz on Thursday said she has already forgiven Malacañang for falsely linking her to an alleged plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Yes, napatawad ko. Napatawad ko,” Diaz said in an interview on ANC when asked if she has forgiven the Palace for linking her the so-called oust-Duterte matrix back in 2019.

(Yes, I have already forgiven them. I’ve already forgiven them.)

Asked if she would have wanted Malacañang to issue an apology, the weightlifting champ said: “For me now, hindi na. Para sa akin OK lang, kasi at the end of the day, mas kailangan ko yung peace of mind ko.”

(For me now, it’s no longer needed. For me it’s OK, because at the end of the day, what I need is my peace of mind

“As long as nag-moving forward ako at nagawa ko ng maayos, na-serve at ni-represent ko ang PIlipias, masaya ako,” she added.

(As long as I move forward and I did my best to serve and represent the country, I’m happy.)

Earlier this week, Diaz captured the Philippines’ breakthrough gold medal after ruling the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition.

The Zamboanga-born athlete also lifted an Olympic record-setting total lift of 224kg.

Diaz also said she has forgiven those who have bashed her, saying her historic victory can also be credited to the trials that she faced.

“After winning the gold medal, nung time na yun, sabi ko I have to forgive all the people na binash ako, na-life threat ako. Yun yung down moment ko, pero ayun nga, na-realize ko na yun ang nagpalakaas sa akin as an athlete,” she said.

(After winning the gold medal, I said, I have to forgive all the people who bashed me, who threatened me. That was my down moment but I realized that it made me stronger as an athlete.)

“Mas lalo akong naging determinado, mas lalo kong minahal ang Pilipinas, kaya thankful din ako sa kanila. Kung siguro wala ‘kong ganon na trials, baka hindi ako naging gold medalist today,” she added.

(I became more determined, and I loved the Philippines even more, that’s why I’m also thankful to them. If I did not face those trials, I don’t think I’ll be a gold medalist today.)

Diaz flew back to Manila Wednesday  and received a hero’s welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

gsg