Hidilyn Diaz and The Story of the Filipina

This is a story of perseverance.

Hidilyn Diaz, was a wild card entry into the 2008 Olympics, chosen by the Philippine Weightlifting Association. It was, for all intents

and purposes, an exposure trip.  She performed creditably.  In 2012, she qualified for the Olympic games by placing 9th in the Continental tournaments.  Despite the obvious improvements, she fails to clear a brave attempt at 118 kgs in the clean and jerk, leaving her out of medal contention.  In 2016, she wins 3 bronze medals in IWF World Weightlifting Championships and qualifies for the Olympics.  A full 12 years of constant competition and she readied herself once more as she strapped on the three stars and a sun. 

This is a story of power.

Originally an athlete at the 58 kg division, she cuts weight in order to compete in the 53 kg division.  She lifts 88 kgs in the snatch portion, falling behind Chinese Taipei’s 101 and China’s 100.  Diaz then steps up to lift 112 kgs in the clean and jerk, beating out Korea’s 111.  She forces the favorite from China to attempt 125 kgs, and the Chinese woman fails. In total, Diaz’s winning lift clears 200 kg, a few kgs off her personal best, but keep in mind, she’s at a lighter weight division now.  

This is a story of audacity.

At 17, Diaz became the first Filipino woman to compete at the Olympics.  She would later become the only Filipino weightlifter to compete in consecutive Olympic games.  Now, she is the first Filipino woman to win an Olympic medal, the first non boxing medal since 1936 and the first silver medal in 20 years.

This is the story of humility and joy.

Immediately after her win, Diaz remembers to thank God before everyone else.  Then she heads for a slice of pizza and a joke about being cheesy.  She remembers to bring rice back to quarters because she knows that back there, there is adobo.  

This is a story of beauty.  

Is there a better story to illustrate the beauty of a strong Filipino woman, than that of one with perseverance, power, audacity, joy and humility?  

There is none.  

Hidilyn’s story is it.