Gold!
Manila Bulletin|July 27, 2021
Hidilyn Diaz makes Olympic history for PH
Tito S. Talao
Gold!

TOKYO – In the suspense-filled breathless end, with everything on the line and an entire nation on knife’s edge as the XXXII Olympiad weightlifting crown came down to a final heave, the Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz proved she was worth every ounce of her weight in gold.

Diaz, silver medalist in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, went to a heavier weight on her third and last lift in the 55kg category after the Chinese world record holder Quiyun Liao lifted 126 kilograms on their third attempt in the clean & jerk to go up by one kilogram overall.

Going for 127 kgs, which would go down as an Olympic record and put her on top, Diaz loaded all her talent, experience and hard work to end the nation’s 97 years of fruitless campaign for a first-ever gold medal in the Games into one final lift and made history as fans of Team Philippines – from coaches, sports officials and even the media – erupted in joyous celebration late Monday at the Tokyo International Forum.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala, lalo na Olympic record pa (I can’t believe, especially it’s an Olympic record),” said Diaz in a trembling voice before she was whisked offto the mixed zone interview.

“Nasorpresa ako na nagawa ko yon. Mga kababayan ko dyan sa Pilipinas, at mga prayer warriors ko, maraming salamat. Sa lahat ng sumoporta, nakayanan natin sa kabila ng maraming pagsubok (I was surprised with my performance. Thank you to my countrymen and prayer warriors. To all my supporters, we did it despite the trials).”

She shot two fists into the air and yelled in triumph even before the ‘good lift’ was announced.

This story is from the July 27, 2021 edition of Manila Bulletin.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 27, 2021 edition of Manila Bulletin.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MANILA BULLETINView All
Taking care of older persons is the collective concern of the citizenry
Manila Bulletin

Taking care of older persons is the collective concern of the citizenry

The International Day of Older Persons is observed on Oct. 1 each year.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
Promoting safe driving in the new normal
Manila Bulletin

Promoting safe driving in the new normal

Ford Driving Skills for Life

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
ON MANNY PACQUIAO - You're the greatest – Roach
Manila Bulletin

ON MANNY PACQUIAO - You're the greatest – Roach

From one legend to another.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
NAT'L BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - PAY CUTS FOR NO VAX PLAYERS
Manila Bulletin

NAT'L BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - PAY CUTS FOR NO VAX PLAYERS

NBA poises crackdown on those who refuse to get vaccinated

time-read
1 min  |
October 1, 2021
Duterte renews commitment to infra dev't
Manila Bulletin

Duterte renews commitment to infra dev't

With only months left in his term, President Duterte reassured the public that his administration remains committed to its promise of infrastructure development aimed at making the Philippines a progressive nation.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
Sustain Our Teachers' Enthusiasm; Enable Young Learners To Hurdle The Learning Crisis
Manila Bulletin

Sustain Our Teachers' Enthusiasm; Enable Young Learners To Hurdle The Learning Crisis

For 10 years now, the period from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 of every year has been observed as National Teachers Month (NTM), by virtue of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Proclamation No. 242. The observance culminates on Oct. 5 that, by virtue of Republic Act 10743, is observed as World Teachers Day (WTD) and National Teachers Day (NTD) pursuant to a UNESCO mandate.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 30, 2021
Love knows no borders
Manila Bulletin

Love knows no borders

Pangasinense couple weds at checkpoint

time-read
3 mins  |
September 30, 2021
The Next Election Is No Waste Of Time
Manila Bulletin

The Next Election Is No Waste Of Time

An appeal to the young who can influence the outcome of the upcoming elections

time-read
4 mins  |
September 29, 2021
US Olympian Biles Says She Should've Quit Earlier
Manila Bulletin

US Olympian Biles Says She Should've Quit Earlier

Gymnastics

time-read
1 min  |
September 29, 2021
Drones And Jets: China Shows Off New Air Power
Manila Bulletin

Drones And Jets: China Shows Off New Air Power

ZHUHAI, China (AFP) — China on Tuesday showed off its increasingly sophisticated airpower including surveillance drones and jets able to jam hostile electronic equipment, with an eye on disputed territories from Taiwan to the South China Sea and rivalry with the United States.

time-read
1 min  |
September 29, 2021