Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is now reaping the fruits of her labor following years of hard work.
Aside from the cash in incentives Diaz is set to receive from the government and private sector, the Filipino weightlifter has been rewarded a ‘new home’ right at the posh Eastwood City in Quezon City.
Megaworld, the property empire owned by business tycoon Dr. Andrew L. Tan, announced Tuesday, July 27, that it is giving a residential condominium unit to the native of Zamboanga City.
“This epic moment is about 97 years in the making, and this is our way of saying thanks to Hidilyn for making us all proud,” said Kevin L. Tan, chief strategy officer of Megaworld Corporation.
“We believe that it’s just right to give our first-ever Olympic gold medalist a home in our first-ever township, Eastwood City, where she can enjoy the township lifestyle with her family and loved ones.”
The 30-year-old Diaz made history Monday night at the Tokyo International Forum as she bagged the country’s first gold medal in the Summer Games – ending a long wait of nearly a century.
Diaz won the gold medal in the 55-kilogram category in women’s weightlifting in record fashion as she set an Olympic mark of 224kgs total lift that combined 127kgs in clean and jerk – also an Olympic record – and 97kgs in snatch.
She defeated China’s world record holder Liao Qiuyun, who finished with a total of 223kgs following her 97kgs in snatch and 126kgs in clean and jerk for silver medal, while Kazakhstan’s Chinshanlo Zulfiya took the bronze medal with a total of 213kgs – 90kgs in snatch and 123kgs in clean and jerk.
Diaz is set to receive P10 million from the government Under Republic Act 10699 through its sports agency Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which gold medalist get in the Olympics.
Aside from the PSC, private companies have already pledged to provide similar cash rewards.
The MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) of telecommunication mogul Manny V. Pangilinan has approved P10 million for Filipino gold medal winners, the same amount that San Miguel Corporation (SMC) of Ramon S. Ang said it would give a few days before the Tokyo Olympics.
The two giant companies will also match the P5 million rewards for silver medal winners, and P2 million for bronze medalists from the government – moves that hopes to boost the morale of Filipino athletes.
Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero also pledged an additional P3 million for gold medalist.
Expect more to come forward and bestow Diaz her reward that she rightfully deserves. So don’t be surprised if she would be driving a brand new luxury car or the latest gadget from private sponsors.