The homecoming of the country’s first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz this Wednesday after her historic Olympic run was simple.
Diaz’s Philippine Airlines Flight PR 427 landed at 6 pm from Tokyo, Japan. This is the first time Diaz has returned to the Philippines after a year of training abroad.
At the Tokyo airport, the weightlifter could not hide her excitement to return home.
“Hi everyone! After more than a year uwi na ako sa Pilipinas. Excited na ako makita ang family ko at excited na ako ipakita sa inyo ang medalyang napanalunan ko noong isang araw at ipakita na kaya natin, ng mga Pilipino. Miss na miss ko na ang Pilipinas. Mahal na mahal ko ang Pilipinas. So I’m really proud to represent Philippines,” said Diaz.
Diaz went home with Pinay skateboarder Margielyn Didal. The trip also included his head coach Gao Kaiwan, strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo, nutritionist Jeaneth Aro and sports psychologist Karen Trinidad.
The weightlifting superstar, who led the 55-kilogram weight class on Monday, made a quiet return to the country.
Diaz’s van arrived at the hotel in Pasay City at around 6 p.m. when she met the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy personnel carrying the Philippine flag.
Diaz’s face shows the joy and eagerness to return to the country.
Diaz also presented the country’s first gold medal at the Olympics.
Hidilyn Diaz homecoming simple but overflowing with support
The soldiers were also carrying a tarpaulin that read, “Congratulations Sgt. Hidilyn Diaz.”
The Philippine Air Force band also came and even gave a message for Hidilyn from her fans.
Another fan’s message: “Congratulations, Ms. Hidilyn Diaz, you are a legend.”
Diaz and her coaching staff will be quarantined at a hotel in Pasay.
Diaz will receive at least P35 million in incentives from the government and various businessmen and politicians.
Someone is also waiting at his house and lot in Tagaytay City and residential condominium in Eastwood.
He will also get lifetime free flights and travel and a lifetime supply of fuel from several private companies.
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