Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. HIDILYN INSTAGRAM
MANILA, Philippines—Hidilyn Diaz has set her eyes on her fifth Olympic Games.
The gold medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Games posted on Instagram with a simple caption declaring her desire to enter the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“New Year, new beginning, new goal,” wrote Diaz on Saturday. “#paris2024 #olympic #olympicweightlifting #TeamHD.”
Her boyfriend and coach Julius Irvin Naranjo also posted that Diaz’ team Team HD is fully committed to bring another gold medal to the country’s Olympic haul.
“We know one this is clear, our goals, our aspirations. Everything is achievable because we will manifest it, and work for it,” wrote Naranjo. “The first gold medal for the Philippines is not enough for our advocacy and what we are trying to do for weightlifting and sports in the Philippines. But TeamHD is committed and we will continue to do our best for the Philippines.”
“@hidilyndiaz journey is inspiring for many, but we know our job isn’t finished yet. Onto our next goals for 2022, up until 2024.”
Diaz first competed in the 2008 Beijing Games and hasn’t missed an Olympic campaign. She became the country’s first gold medalist after ruling the women’s weightlifting 55-kilogram division in Tokyo.
Her current weight class, however, won’t be in the Paris Games with 59kg being the closest to 55kg as the International Weightlifting Division is expected to cut the categories the athletes could compete in.
Weightlifting is among the problem sports listed by the International Olympic Committee, risking future exclusion from the Games.