Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the Philippine's first Olympic gold medalist, added another accolade to her name by winning another first for the country at the 2022 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championships in Bogota, Colombia, winning three golds in the women’s 55kg division on Wednesday, Dec. 7 (Thursday, Manila time).
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Jose Emmanuel "Noli" M. Eala congratulated Diaz in an official statement. The PSC and Eala said, “Hidilyn has proven once again that the fire in her heart to be second to none in her field continues to burn and remains the benchmark by which every weightlifter and Filipino athlete must measure themselves against.”
“The PSC will forever be proud of Hidilyn as the epitome of a great champion and will always provide support in her continuing quest to bring honor to our country. Mabuhay!” Eala added.
During the competition, Diaz cleared 93 kg in snatch and 114 kg in clean and jerk for a total lift of 207 kg, outlifting Colombia’s Rosalba Morales and Mexico’s Ana Gabriela Lopez.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said Diaz Naranjo’s victory is a testament of her unmatched devotion to bring pride and glory for the country.
“This recent breakthrough of Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz is proof that Filipinos are strong and talented individuals. We are truly grateful to Team HD for this is a result of hard work… a combination of determination, continuous training and confidence … and she knows that there are people behind her who truly supports her," Tolentino said.
The win added the elusive world title to Diaz’s trophy case which includes gold medals from the Olympics, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games.
Aside from Diaz-Naranjo, other Filipino weightlifters are expected to vie for medals in the world tilt and slots to the 2024 Paris Olympics, including Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ando, Asian champion Vanessa Sarno, Kristel Macrohon, and Dave Lloyd Pacaldo.
PSC took care of all possible support to Diaz and her team on their participation in this event.