
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz revealed that her dedicated Team HD is planning to keep Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen as a consultant.
Diaz bared the development in the virtual Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, August 10, adding that she fully understands the decision of Gao to return to his home and spend time with his family.
"Si coach (Gao) naman naiintindihan ko kasi matagal-tagal na siyang hindi nakakauwi. Dahil sa pandemic, gusto niya i-treasure 'yung time with his family," said Diaz.
"Ngayong pandemic nare-realize natin 'yung importansya ng pamilya."
Gao previously asked the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas for an early termination of his contract which was supposed to run until December.
Under the watch of the 64-year-old Chinese mentor, Diaz ended the country's 97-year hunt for an Olympic gold as she emerged victorious in the women's 55-kilogram category with Olympic records of 127 kg in clean and jerk and 224 kg in total lift.
Gao was also instrumental in Diaz's golden performances in the 2018 Asian Games, 2019 Southeast Asian Games and 2020 Roma World Cup.
With Gao eyed to serve as consultant, Diaz said they are looking to promote strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo as the new head coach and search for an assistant mentor.
The 30-year-old pride of Zamboanga City also said that they are aiming to train other weightlifters.
"Hoping din kami na makapag-train ng ibang atleta para mas masaya at ma-motivate sila mag-train with us."
Also part of Team HD are sports psychologist Karen Trinidad and nutritionist Jeaneth Aro.
Diaz also bared that she is still training even during their quarantine coming off the historic Tokyo Games.
Diaz is targeting to compete in the World Weightlifting Championships in Peru later this year as well as the SEA Games in Vietnam and Asian Games in China next year.