Hidilyn Diaz sacrifices behind her historic moment: ‘Worth it ang hirap’

Golden Moment! Hidilyn Diaz proudly lifts the weight of the Philippines’ first-ever gold in history. As she bagged the crown in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The 30-year-old athlete who joined the 55-kg weightlifting finishes the game with a total score of 224 kg. However, we don’t know the sacrifices she has climb before she reached the top of her success.

Hidilyn Diaz sacrifices behind her historic moment: “Worth it ang hirap.”

Diaz has also struggled in her own country. Behind her winning moments, she has experienced being listed in the ‘Oust-Duterte’ matrix in 2019. She, who raise the flag of the Philippines feared her safety when all she wanted was to qualify in the Olympics at that time. Also, she pleased those who tried to dragged her name down instead of supporting her who will represent the country. In line with these, the weightlifter also begged and cried for a lack of financial support. She posted it on her Instagram story where she asked if she could come to private companies for help.

Never forget the time Hidilyn Diaz begged for sponsorship to support her needs. Now, look at her bragging the first gold medal for the Philippines!!! 👏🏻👏🏻✨ A woman. Dedicated to her sports. She is indeed the moment. Congratulations, Miss Hidilyn! We are proud of you. MABUHAY KA! pic.twitter.com/dShNC71VLE

— Zeke (@zekemartinx) July 26, 2021

Aside from that, she was also red-tagged after asking for monetary support from the government. She was bashed and called an undeserving athlete to support. How could we imagine that our first Olympian experience all of this in her own country? Despite all the things, she had gone through, she never gave up her dreams. The perseverance she has made her continue. But, all we know now is the product of her hard work. Not the process she takes before relishing the taste of her success.

How did she make it to Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

Behind Diaz’s downfalls, there are still people who helped her along the way of her journey. One of these is the Vice-President of Putrajaya Weightlifting Association, Ahmad Janus Abdullah. Who offered them a ‘kampung’ house in Jasin, Melaka, Malaysia for the training ground.

She moved to Malaysia after their targetted plan of her Chinese Coach, Gao Kaiwen in Taiwan was canceled. Due to reasons where her coach cannot travel to Taipei. So, they took the chance offered to them and begun the training in the backyard house in Malaysia.

As she stepped on her journey in Olympics 2020, it hasn’t been easy for her. Yet, she endures the pain and sacrifices she made through the help of God.

“…Akala natin imposible, akala ko din imposible… pero nandito tayo ngayon so kaya natin. Huwag kayong sumuko kahit anong challenges and trials ‘yan, manalanagin tayo kay God mag-ga-guide Siya sa atin.”

She also describes how this fight was worth all the pain.

“Alam kong lahat ng hirap na pinagdaanan ko may reason si God…Worth it ang hirap.”

Prizes and Incentives for the Olympics first-gold medallist

Diaz will receive more than P35 million prizes and incentives for winning the first-gold medallist. It will come from a P14-million condominium unit from Megaworld, Tagaytay City house and lot. P10 million from Gov’t as law and P10 million from Manny V. Pangilinan. Also, P10 million from Ramon S. Ang, P3 million from deputy speaker Mikee Romero and P2.5 million from her hometown Zamboanga City.

Moreover, AirAsia Philippines will award her lifetime free flights. Recognizing her hard work, passion, and sportsmanship. She will also get P5 million from Dennis Uy’s Phoenix Petroleum plus free fuel for life. House and lot from Century Properties worth P4 million and a P14 million condo from Andrew Tan’s Megaworld.

Deepest gratitude and appreciation

Diaz stated how grateful she is to the people who believed and supported her. Especially the times when she feels like giving up.

thank you so much for believing in me when there are times na gusto ko ng sumuko dahil sa dami ng pagsubok na pinagdaanan

Behind every successful story are hard work, passion, and love. That’s how Hidilyn did it. And the rest is history.

I will never forget this historic moment she brought to our country. On behalf of our fellowmen who believe in you, I am sending my deepest gratitude for enduring all the hardships. We believe that our athletes deserve the best treatment and support for representing the country.

Congratulations Miss Hidilyn Diaz and all to our athletes this Olympics! We are so proud of you! Mabuhay kayo!