Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo honored to have a star on Walk of Fame
Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz strikes a pose showing the star with her name on it at the Eastwood Walk of Fame. –HIDILYN DIAZ INSTAGRAM
MANILA, Philippines — Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo was honored to be part of the Eastwood City Walk of Fame as she was immortalized for her contributions to sports along with other stars on Wednesday.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic weightlifting gold medalist was among the eight personalities to receive a star from the German Moreno Foundation with their names being engraved at the Hollywood-inspired Eastwood Citywalk.
Diaz-Naranjo took to Instagram to express her gratitude, posting her pictures with the star, her husband and coach, Julius Naranjo, bowling icon Paeng Nepomuceno, and her fellow inductees.
“Salamat sa karangalan na ito. Di ko inakala nandito pangalan ko sa [star] na ito sa Walk of Fame dito sa Eastwood,” she wrote.
(Thank you for this recognition. I can’t believe my name will be written in this star at Eastwood Walk of Fame.)
Diaz-Naranjo was with her favorite TV actress Maja Salvador, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, entertainment reporter Mario Dumaual for news and public affairs, singer Janet Basco for music, broadcast journalist Gerry Baja for radio, dancing YouTubers Ranz Kyle and Nianna Guerrero for social media, and the relatives of the late National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa.
The 31-year-old weightlifter also attributed her success to her husband, her “Team HD”, and the Filipinos’ support.
“Behind the success there’s a husband behind it. Behind the glamorous dress, shoes, make up napapagod din ang atleta (athletes get tired too.) Sa lahat ng award at fame na ito, ang glory parin ay para kay God at sa [Pilipinas],” she added.
(All these awards and fame but the glory is still for God and our country.)
Last December, Diaz-Naranjo earned the missing piece in her trophy room as she ruled the weightlifting world championships in Bogota, Colombia with three gold medals.
The weightlifting will move up to the women’s 59 kilograms for her second straight golden bid in the 2024 Olympics. It will be unfamiliar territory for Diaz, who captured the gold in the 55-kg class in 2021.
