Hidilyn Diaz reflects on weightlifting journey as she marks Weightlifting Day

Hidilyn Diaz reflected on how weightlifting transformed her life as she marked Weightlifting Day on Friday, October 16.

In an Instagram post, the Olympic gold medalist looked back on her journey from being a young girl who was curious about the sport to becoming one of the Philippines’ most celebrated athletes.

“Happy Weightlifting Day! Weightlifting changed my life in ways I never imagined. From a young girl who was simply curious about the sport to becoming an Olympic champion and bringing pride to the Philippines,” she remarked.

Hidilyn shared how she is now giving back to the sport by helping create more opportunities for aspiring Filipino weightlifters.

“Now, it’s my turn to give back to the sport that gave me so much. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent athletes on the IWF Executive Board and help open more doors for young Filipino weightlifters through Palarong Pambansa,” she said.

The Olympian also expressed her desire to help the next generation of Filipino athletes achieve their dreams, just as she once did.

“Dati, ako ang batang nangangarap. Ngayon, gusto kong makatulong para mas marami pang batang Pilipino ang makamit ang kanilang mga pangarap,” she highlighted.

Hidilyn reaffirmed her commitment to serving her fellow athletes and supporting the development of weightlifting in the country.

“I will continue to serve our athletes and the sport that taught me that nothing is impossible,” she said.

She concluded her post, saying: “Because weightlifting is more than lifting weights. It’s about lifting dreams and changing lives.”

Fans online were quick to react to Hidilyn’s post.

“You are an inspiration to us all,” one fan wrote.

The International Weightlifting Federation celebrates each October 16 the World Weightlifting Day, “recognising the strength, passion and unity of a sport that continues to inspire athletes and communities around the world,” as per iwf.sport.

Hidilyn won the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal on July 26, 2021, in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan.

She opened the HD Weightlifting Academy with her husband and coach, Julius Naranjo, on July 26, 2024.