Hidilyn Diaz nears college graduation

Photo from Hidilyn Diaz’s Instagram

MANILA, Philippines—Hidilyn Diaz’s goal to secure a ticket to the Paris Olympics is still a long to go.

What is closer for prized Filipino weightlifter, however, is attaining her college degree.

Diaz, the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, is nearly finished with her Business Management course at College of St. Benilde.

“With the retreat marking my final requirement, I’m on the brink of achieving my dream of graduating from college,” wrote Diaz on Instagram on Monday.

“The countdown begins as I prepare to embrace the next chapter of my life.”

Diaz took up studies at Benilde a year after winning the silver in Rio 2016 and she did so while continuously working on her craft.

She submitted her thesis in November last year.

The 32-year-old Diaz, the Olympic champion in the women’s 55kg class, made her debut in the 59kg category earlier this month at the 2023 Asian Weightlifting Championships where she missed the podium after placing fourth.