Hidilyn Diaz targets gold at 2020 Olympics

ANOTHER GO. Hidilyn Diaz plans a return to the Olympics when it goes to Tokyo. Photo by Jedwin M Llobrera/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina Olympian Hidilyn Diaz just entered her name in the record books of Philippine sports history, thanks to her performance in the 2016 Rio Olympics, but she’s already aiming for even higher goals when the next summer games arrive in 2020.

Diaz, who won the silver medal in the women’s 53kg division of the weightlifting competition in Rio De Janeiro this past week, arrived in the Philippines on Emirates Flight 332 with fellow Olympian Nestor Colonia and coach Alfonsito Aldanete on Thursday, August 11, and told the media she has no plans of retiring.

“Parang ayaw ko na pong mag-retire,” said Diaz at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

(I don’t feel like retiring.)

“Kasi ngayon pa lang po nami-miss ko na ang pagbubuhat, so, Tokyo po,” she added, indicating her desire to join the next Olympiad 4 years from now in Japan. It would be the Zamboanga City native’s fourth Olympic stint.

(Because I already miss lifting now, so, Tokyo.)

Diaz, who will receive a P5-million check for her accomplishment in Brazil, said that finishing first is the goal next time around.

“Siguro hindi na ako papayag na silver lang. Gusto ko gold na. Tokyo, oo po. Siyempre, pipilitin ko,” she said.

“Kaya ko pa, kung susuportahan ako. With complete strength and conditioning, rehab, todo,” added the 25-year-old, who lifted a total of 200kg to win the silver.

(I guess I won’t settle for just silver. I want to win the gold. Tokyo, yes. Of course, I’ll push myself. I can still do it, if I’ll be supported.)

PROUD. Hidilyn Diaz shows her silver medal to the media. Photo by Mary Dela Serna/Rappler

Diaz’s medal was the first by a Philippine athlete in the Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, where Onyok Velasco also finished second in the light flyweight division of the boxing event. The Philippines has yet to win a gold medal.

After the press conference, Diaz boarded a 7:45 pm flight to Davao City for a courtesy call with President Rodrigo Duterte at the presidential guesthouse in Panacan.

“Excited po ako, tapos, siyempre, honored na ipakita kay President Digong and medalya kong ito,”Diaz said about the upcoming meeting.

(I’m excited, and, of course, honored to show President Digong my medal.) – Rappler.com

Author: Naveen Ganglani of Rappler

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Hidilyn Diaz gets additional P2M incentive from Duterte

MANILA, Philippines – Olympian Hidilyn Diaz has received an additional P2 million incentive from Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on top of the P5M she initially earned after winning the silver medal in the 53kg women’s division of the weightlifting event at the Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Diaz, who finished second in the competition this past week after lifting a total of 200kg, arrived in Manila on Thursday afternoon, August 12, and then flew at 7:45 pm to Duterte’s presidential guesthouse in Panacan, Davao.

It was there where Duterte, Diaz, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Butch Ramirez held a press conference in which the president announced that Diaz received an extra bonus.

“She got a 5 million price for winning and I just added another two million,” said the president.

Diaz, 25, received a check worth P5 million from Duterte in Davao thanks to the government’s Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act. Additionally, Diaz will also be awarded with a housing unit from8990 Holdings Inc - Deca Homes.

The Zamboanga native gave thanks during the press conference and stressed that, with what she was able to do, it’s possible for someone from the Philippines to win a medal at the Olympics.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sainyo, sa nag dasal, sumoporta at naniwala saakin. Nung last August 7, naiwagayway ko ang bandila nang Pilipinas sa Olympics,” said Diaz, who was the first Philippine athlete to win a medal at the Olympics since 1996.

(I want to give thanks to you all, to those who prayed, supported, and believed in me. Last August 7, I was able to wave the flag of the Philippines at the Olympics.)

“Naipkakita ko na kaya natin mga Pilipino manalo sa Olympics.”

(I was able to show that us Filipinos have the ability to win at the Olympics.)

Duterte, who won the presidency during the elections last May, also said that discipline mixed with support from the government can go a long way in international sports success.

“If we just put in the discipline in any field with… a little help from the national government and the budget, we’d be able to get some miracles and surprises along the way,” he said.

GREAT TIMES. Hidilyn Diaz (in red), seen here with her mom, has returned to the Philippines. Photo by Jedwin M Llobrera/Rappler

The president also shared that he was watching Diaz in action and was nervous when she had troubles before eventually gaining the country's first silver medal since Onyok Velasco in Atlanta.

“I was also watching her. I was really scared when she was struggling to pull the weights. When she was able to do it, I almost shouted.”

During her press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 earlier on Thursday, Diaz revealed that part of what she hopes to do with the incentives she’s received is buy land and put up a gym in her hometown where others can also get into weightlifting.

“Bibilhin ko muna yung lupa, tapos mag papatayo ako nang gym duon para sa weightlifting club,” she said.

(I’ll first buy the land, then I’ll put up a gym for the weightlifting club.)

The decision is something Duterte applauds, as he emphasized the importance to give focus on sports training away from Manila.

“Yes, I would agree with her plans, para yung iba naman na probinsya [may] attention (so that the other provinces get attention). And also to give focus to the sports. Maybe you’ll be able to harness good athletes.”

Duterte also took time out to crack jokes, saying that his message to the Philippine delegates before departing was “Wag kayo umuwi pag hindi kayo manalo.

(Don’t come home if you don’t win.)

“Joking,” the president then said. “Sabi ko (I said), ‘Do your best for the country. The honor is there, go for it. It would be a long quest, it would be a tedious one, but I said if you can bring some honor to your country, I’ll be happy.’” – Rappler.com

Author: Naveen Ganglani of Rappler

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Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz ends 20-year PH medal drought after bagging silver in Rio Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO - Hidilyn Diaz broke a 20-year medal drought for the Philippines after winning the silver medal in the weightlifting competitions of the XXXI Olympiad.

Diaz lifted a total of 200 kilograms to finish second behind gold medalist Hsu Shu-Ching of Chinese Taipei in the women's 53 kg. class, ending a medal dry spell that dates back to boxer Mansueto 'Onyok' Velasco's silver in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Diaz also became the first ever Filipina, and the first in weightlifting, to land in the Olympic for the country.

The 25-year-old native of native of Zamboanga City previously competed in the 2008 Beijing (wildcard) and 2012 London Olympics but came home empty handed on both campaigns.

This time, there was no denying her.

It was an unlikely turn of events for Diaz, who was actually about to settle for the bronze since fancied Li Yaun of China, who just moments earlier set an Olympic record in the snatch after lifting 101 kilograms, still has two attempts left in the clean and jerk.

But to the horror of the crowd at the Riocentro Pavilion 2, Li couldn’t complete her final two attempts at 126 kilos, thus eliminating her from a podium finish.

Shu-Ching won the gold convincingly with a total lift of 212 kgs. or 12 kgs. ahead of Diaz.

The Filipina actually had a slow start when she only lifted 88 kilos in the snatch to finish fifth at the halfway mark of the competition.

Li quickly showed the way following her record breaking feat at 101 kgs, followed by Shu-Ching with 100.

But Diaz bounced back in the clean and jerk, lifting 112 kilos on her second try to surpass third-running Yoon Jun Hee of South Korea and assure herself of a podium finish.

“Thank you, Lord,” she shouted shortly after.

Hsu lifted 112 kg on her second try and didn’t even bother to lift a third try following the disastrous finish by the Chinese lifter.

Hsu is now looking to claim the gold medal from the London Games four years ago. The Taiwanese champion called on Olympic officials to decide on the matter, after retest of samples from 2012 Olympics winner Zulfiya Chinshanlo turned out positive.

The Kazakh lifter was suspended in June and was not entered in Rio.

Source: Jerome Ascano of Spin.ph

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Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz nabs silver, PH's first Olympic medal in 20 years

Hidilyn Diaz ends a 20-year Olympic medal drought for the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – On her third Olympics trip, she finally did it.

Hidilyn Diaz made history for the Philippines, ending the country's 20-year Olympic medal drought by securing a silver medal in the women's 53kg weightlifting division of the 2016 Summer Games on Sunday, August 7 (Monday morning, August 8 in Manila) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 25-year-old Diaz, a native of Zamboanga City, who was a bronze medalist in the 2015 World Weightlifting Championships, recorded a total weight of 200.

In the snatch event, Diaz failed to lift two of her 3 attempts and tallied just 88kg for 6th place in a tough field led by China and Chinese Taipei.

But Diaz, looking very comfortable and optimistic on the platform, recovered in the clean and jerk lift, successfully lifting 111kg in the first attempt and then snagging the medal with a 112kg lift in her second attempt.

She tried to clear 117kg in her third attempt but was unable to lift it. Her total score is 200, just good enough for second place.

Fellow weightlifter Nestor Colonia will be competing by 6am Manila time in the men's 56kg. – Jane Bracher of Rappler.com

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Colonia set to join fellow lifter Diaz in Rio

photo (c) Spin.ph

Count Filipino lifter Nestor Colonia in the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.

By just showing up in the coming Asian championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, national weightlifting coach Dondon Aldanete said the 22-year-old pride of Zamboanga City would already be eligible for the Olympics.

“He’s already ranked fourth in the world. Part of the requirement for him to officially qualify is to join the team event,” said Aldanete, pointing out that Colonia would only need the points in the team competition of the continental championship to join fellow lifter
Hidilyn Diaz in Rio.

Colonia bagged a bronze medal in the clean and jerk (158kg) in the recent world championship held in Houston, Texas but wound up fourth in the snatch (124) and total (282) in the 56kg men’s category.

Diaz, who scooped three bronze medals in the women’s 53kg of the world championships, has already cemented her third straight Olympics.

The Asian Weightlifting Championship is set April 21-30 where 10 Filipino lifters (six men, four women) will participate in the team event headlined by Diaz and Colonia.

Team delegation head Romy Magat said he would secure the certification from the International Weightlifting Federation that would officially declare Diaz as a qualifier to the Olympics.

Joining Diaz and Colonia in the Asian championships are Ellen Rose Perez, Kristel Mae Macrohon, Maria Dessa Delos Santos, Roel Garcia, Elbert Atilano Jr., Karl Louise Macrohon and Joshua Dinglasan.

Aldanete said Colonia would need to lift a total of 280-300 kg to seize a medal in Rio while Diaz should carry 230kg to earn a podium finish.

Diaz has a personal best of 214 in the total—96 in the snatch and 118 in the clean and jerk.

“The chances are brighter for Nestor to medal based on his previous performances,” said Magat.

Once Colonia qualifies, it will be the first time for the Philippines to have a pair of lifters in the Games since Gregorio Colonia, SamuelAligada and Ramon Solis made it in 1988 Seoul.

Source: June Navarro of Inquirer Sports

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Filipino Nestor Colonia gives Olympic bid a lift with bronze medal finish in world weightlifting

NESTOR Colonia boosted his bid of gaining a slot in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics after bagging a bronze medal in the clean-and-jerk 56 kg. division of the 2015 World Weighlifting Championship in Houston, Texas.

Colonia lifted 158 kg in the clean and jerk, good enough to place third in the category behind London Olympics gold medalist Om Yun-Chol of North Korea and Wu Jingbiao of China.

The 23-year-old Zamboanga native fell short of a second medal after finishing fourth in the total with 282 kg behind Thach Kim Tuan of Vietnam with 287 kg.

Om won the gold in the clean and jerk in world record fashion with 171 kg, before topping the total with 302 kg. for a second gold.

Wu also took the gold in the snatch at 139 kg to break the current world record.

Hidilyn Diaz is the other Philippine entry in the event as she competes in the 53 kg division.

The World Weightlifting Championship is one of the qualifying tournaments for next year’s Summer Games where points are earned for the ranking system to determine the 108 athletes to make it to Rio De Janeiro.

An athlete can qualify in the Olympics via team qualification where a country can gain three to six berths based on team rankings in the 2014 and 2015 World Championship, and continental qualification events or via individual qualification by being one of eight in the top 15 in each weight category from countries which have not yet gained Olympic berths.

Source: Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph

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Hidilyn Diaz cops three bronze medals in world tilt, keeps pace of earning Olympic berth

HIDILYN Diaz completed a three bronze sweep in the 2015 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championship in Houston, Texas to boost her chances of gaining an Olympic berth.

Diaz won the bronze in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total category of the women’s 53kg division to finish behind a China and Chinese Taipei lifter.

She also become the first-ever Filipina to win a medal in the history of the competition and boosted her bid to claim a seat in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics.

Diaz, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics as a wild card entry, finished third in the snatch with a 96 kg behind the lifts of gold medal winner Chen Xiaoting of China (101 kg) and Hsu Shu-Ching of Chinese Taipei (96 kg).

The Filipina also placed third in the clean and jerk with a 117 kg tally behind Hsu (125 kg) and Chen (120 kg), respectively.

The 24-year-old Zamboanga native totaled 213 kg to win her third bronze, with Hsu winning the gold over Chen via tiebreak after both lifters accumulated 221 kg.

Diaz, who won three gold medals in this year’s Asian Championship, is on pace for an Olympic berth with the tournament being one of the qualifying tournaments for next year’s Summer Games.

An athlete can qualify in the Olympics via team qualification where a country can gain three to six berths based on team rankings in the 2014 and 2015 World Championship, and continental qualification events, or via individual qualification by being one of eight in the top 15 in each weight category from countries which have not yet gained Olympic berths.

It was a successful campaign for the Filipino weightlifters, who also got a bronze from Nestor Colonia in the clean-and-jerk 56kg division.

Source: Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph

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