Profile: Hidilyn Diaz
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and is the 2022 Jorge B. Vargas Athlete of the Year awardee.
Born February 20, 1991 in Zamboanga City
Since the Philippines made its Olympic debut in 1924, no Filipino athlete—male or female—had won a gold medal until weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz came along to hit paydirt at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The breakthrough came in the Philippines’ 22nd Olympic appearance and was providential. Diaz competed in the newly-created 55 kilogram division, perfect for her because she had previously lifted in the 58 kilogram class in 2008 and 2012 and 53 in 2016. She intends to compete in her fifth Olympics in Paris in 2024.
From Balita Issue 3909
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