Woman weighlifter Hidilyn Diaz carried the fight for the Philippines, capturing the first-ever gold and finally ended the country’s longtime quest by winning in the Tokyo Olympics.
Competing in her fourth straight Olympics, Diaz delivered the Philippines’ breakthrough gold medal after conquering the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition.
She registered 97kg in snatch and 127 kg in the clean & jerk to gain a 224-total score, a point higher than China’s world recordholder Liao Qiuyun.
For her gold medal haul, she is set to receive P33-million for her feat–P10 million from the government, P10 million from Ramon Ang, P10 million from Manny Pangilinan and P3 million from Mikee Romero. She was also assured of a house of lot.
The 30-year-old Zamboanguena won the silver medal in 2016 Rio Olympics, ending then the country’s 20-year medal drought.
Photo courtesy of Hidilyn Diaz FB/Tokyo Olympics
