Diaz gets another backer

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s 2020 Olympic gold medal bid got a big lift Thursday afternoon with the awarding of an additional financial package from a Davao-based oil company.

Diaz, attempting to better her silver medal finish in Rio2016 with a gold in Tokyo next year, was beaming with pride with Phoenix Petroleum’s decision to award her P2-million that will cover her buildup until Tokyo.

“Hindi ko ito kaya mag-isa (I can’t do it alone),” said Diaz, whose entourage now includes a conditioning coach, nutritionist and psychologist apart from Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen.

“Mahirap mag-qualify sa Olympics but I am committed to win and do my best,” she said.

Phoenix Petroleum President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Uy, also the Presidential Adviser for Sports, was on hand at Malacanang to witness the signing that was also attended by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, Phoenix vice-president Raymond Zorilla and Sen. Bong Go, who initiated the drive to hook up Diaz with Phoenix.

-Nick Giongco