‘I cannot believe it’: Philippines’ first Olympic gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz looks back on historic feat

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Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history when she became the first Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold. She speaks to CNA about the achievement.

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Hidilyn Diaz perched atop the podium - all 158 centimetres of her. Small in stature but big of heart.Before the strains of Lupang Hinirang waft through the arena, she snaps into a salute.

“It’s like goosebumps and I’m the one who did it. And I’m like: ‘Lord, God, thank You. Thank You for giving me this opportunity.'”At the age of 11, Diaz got her first taste of the sport. “I always wore a jacket and I didn’t show my muscles ... Growing up, you come from Zamboanga, you just wanna hide because you’re doing weightlifting, and I felt you like no one loves it,” she said.

Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines gestures on the podium as she listen to the national anthem after winning the gold medal in the women's 55kg weightlifting event, at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. “When they do weightlifting, I see them smile and I cannot just quit because of injury,” she recalled.“I used them as my motivation when I was sad, like I would build a gym for them.”“After five years I saw the result.

“If we tested positive then it would be the end of our preparation; the end of our dream - and just because of COVID. I can’t accept it but what can I do? Every day we get tested … you’re just wishing you won’t test positive.”Not before the Olympics. Not before she competed.

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