Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz is back in the Philippines after winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
In an interview with “Magandang Buhay” this Thursday via Zoom, Diaz recounted the belief that many Filipinos were praying for her victory was what she was thinking when she lifted the 127kgs barbell.
“Nanalo ako ng gold medal dahil sa prayers ng bawat Pilipino. So pina-remind sa akin na lahat ng Pilipino nagdarasal para sa larong ito. Tapos sabi ng sports nutritionist ko, ‘You are prepared Hids.’ Then ‘yon inisip ko lang ang technique ko,” said Diaz.
According to Diaz, it is a big thing to inspire in the difficult times that Filipinos are going through.
“Sabi ko before Olympics, sabi ko sa sarili ko na I don’t want to give up, especially now pandemic. Bawat Pilipino kailangan ng inspirasyon ngayon. Medyo mahirap ang buhay kaya patuloy ako sa training kahit mahirap. Kasi nga medyo mahirap ‘yon lalong-lalo na sa young generation na isang Hidilyn maggi-give up dahil sa pandemic. So meaning ang dami ko ring mai-influence na maggi-give up sa life. So good thing na ipinagpatuloy ko,” said Hidilyn Diaz.
Hidilyn Diaz recalls moment she defeated China in Olympics
“Sabi ko nga malaking bagay na ‘yon na nandoon kami sa Olympics kasi nga niri-risk na rin namin ang health namin. Kasi lahat ng country nandoon na, iba-iba na ang variant ng COVID-19 medyo ‘yon ang nakakatakot doon. Representing the Philippines isang malaking karangalan at masaya ako na na-inspire ko ang mga Pilipino not to give up on their lives. Nabigyan ko sila ng konting saya,” she added.
Looking back on Diaz, the happiness was different when she finally won against the Chinese opponent.
“Gaya nang sabi ko, ‘di ako makapaniwala na nagawa ko ‘yon. Kung babalikan ko ‘yon parang yes, sa wakas nagawa ko, natalo ko ang China. Buti hindi ako na-pressure sa Olympic record,” said Diaz.
It will be recalled that Hidilyn Diaz trained in Malaysia for almost two years before she competed in the Olympics, which continues to be held today in Tokyo, Japan.
During the program, Diaz also thanked the Filipino community in Malaysia for joining and supporting her.
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