Where is she now? The first Filipino Olympic gold medalist is surprisingly absent from the “2024 Paris Olympics” competition

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games come to the final events, countries worldwide have achieved many firsts. For example, the Japanese javelin thrower Kitaguchi Haruka became the first Japanese woman to win a gold medal in this event.

Embed from Getty Images

The Philippines also achieved some major firsts this year, with gymnasts Carlos Yulo He became the first man from the country to win gold in an event and the first to win two gold medals.

Ultimate Redemption: Filipino Olympic Athlete Who Just Won Country’s Second Gold Medal Ever

The first ever Philippine gold medal was won during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Through Hidilyn DiazThe female weightlifter competed in the 55 kg category and broke the Olympic records for the clean and jerk event and for the overall record.

She was received as a hero at home as the country celebrated her huge victory.

After the games, Diaz continued her education and graduated from The La Salle College of Saint-Benilde with a degree in Business Management in 2023. Her personal life also underwent some changes, when she married her coach, Julius Orangein 2022.

Like many other Olympians, the Tokyo Games were not her first Games, she won silver in 2016 and many expected her to return this year. However, she is not among the participants this year.

This year, the Olympics have reduced the weightlifting categories, leaving 80 fewer spots available. Each country is allowed to enter three weightlifters per gender and one per weight category.

Diaz was forced to move up a weight class and ultimately failed to qualify after being outclassed by Elreen Andowho previously competed in the 64 kg category. She accepted the loss and vowed to continue supporting and inspiring Filipino athletes.

She took this promise to the next level with the opening of her Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in June 2024, offering training for anyone interested, regardless of experience level.

And even though she’s not competing in the games, Diaz was there! In addition to celebrating Yulo’s victories with him, Diaz attended the weightlifting competition as a member of the Athletes’ Commission.

Diaz previously discussed the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Gamesunsure if she would compete. However, she is and remains an excellent role model for the Philippines!

Share this post

Facebook

Twitter