Hidilyn Diaz Makes History After Securing the PH’s First Olympic Gold Medal

Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s Olympic bet for weightlifting, has made history after she secured the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal after she won the women’s 55-kg weightlifting event of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This triumphant moment puts an end to the Olympic drought that the country has experienced since it first joined the Games in 1924. Prior to Diaz lifting the gold, the country had only won three silver medals and seven bronze medals in the most prominent international sporting event.

Among these previous distinctions, Diaz also bagged one of the silver medals during her appearance in the 2016 Rio Olympics for the women’s 53-kg weightlifting category.

In Tokyo, Diaz was able to lift 97 kg in the snatch and 127 kg in the clean and jerk allowing her to finish with a total score of 224 kg. Aside from acquiring the gold, Diaz was also able to establish a new world record in the 55-kg weight class.

During the snatch, Diaz cleared 94 kg for her first attempt and 97 kg for her second attempt. Her third attempt, which was at 99 kg, was given a no-lift decision.

As for the clean and jerk, Diaz successfully lifted 119 kg during her first attempt, 124 kg on her second attempt, and 127 kg on her third attempt to cement her position at the top spot.

Diaz was also able to secure the gold during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. The 30-year old weightlifting veteran competing in the 2020 Olympics marks her fourth consecutive appearance in the Games. 

Source: GMA News