Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, on Monday, July 26 thanked Hidilyn Diaz for making Filipinos proud when she captured the country’s first ever gold medal in Olympic history.
“Nakikiisa ako sa buong sambayanang Pilipino sa pagsaludo sa iyong husay at galing! (I join the Filipino people in paying tribute to your brilliance and prowess.),” said Go in a statement issued immediately after news about Diaz‘s outstanding feat spread in the country.
“Seeing our flag flying high inspires us further to overcome the challenges and rise triumphant amid the crises we are facing,” he stated.
Go added: “As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and on behalf of the Filipino people, thank you for giving us hope and bringing pride once more to our beloved country.” Diaz won the gold medal in the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday.
The 30-year-old Filipina scored 97 kg in snatch although it was her 127 kg lift in the clean and jerk that put her on the top.
A week ago, Go aired optimism that a member of the small delegation of athletes sent to Japan will bring home the gold medal.
“Ako, ine-expect ko na makakuha tayo ng ginto,” the senator said.
In his press statement then, Go said he recognized the Filipino athlete’s dedication in bringing pride and glory to their country.
He vowed to continue to advocate for their well-being in the face of the pandemic.