From obscurity to Olympic glory: The rise of Philippine weightlifting

Over the past decade, Philippine weightlifting has lifted itself from relative obscurity to the forefront of global sport -- a growth powered not just by iron and sweat, but by heart, resilience and a nation united behind its champions.

- By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

HIDILYN DIAZ is the first-ever Olympic gold medalist for the Philippines. (AP/File)

(AP/File)

For much of its history, Philippine weightlifting lived in the shadows, far from the sport's grand spotlight. Yet Filipino lifters steadily sought to make their mark in international and regional competitions. Among them were Salvador Del Rosario, a three-time Olympian who won gold at the 1970 World Championships and the 1971 Asian Championships, Ramon Solis, who brought pride to the Philippine flag with 11 Southeast Asian Games gold medals before turning to coaching, and the late Jaime Sebastian, once hailed as Southeast Asia's strongest man, who claimed an astonishing 21 SEAG gold medals between 1977 and 1989.

But nothing compares to the “Hidilyn Diaz effect.”