Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz has been named Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year four times. But this year's acknowledgement is extra special for the country's top weightlifter.
In a Facebook post, Diaz shared her enthusiasm and appreciation of the award. The 32-year-old athlete said she didn't expect to be named Athlete of the Year again following her victory in Tokyo, Japan. Diaz got the plum in 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022.
"'Yung pagtanggap ng award ko mula sa PSA ay malaking bagay sa akin dahil akala ko tapos na after Tokyo Olympics," Diaz said.
"Pero, heto ako ngayon, nakikilala pa rin ang ang sport ko at nare-recognize ang pagiging babaeng atleta sa weightlifting. At ipagpapatuloy pa rin natin ang laban para sa Pilipinas sa 2024 Paris Olympics."
Last year, Diaz proved that she has a lot left in the tank after winning her very first IWF World Weightlifting Championship gold in Bogota, Colombia.
More than her recognition as an athlete, Diaz shared her victory with fellow women and emphasized excelling as a female athlete.
"Kasabay din ng women's month, nakilala ang angking galing at kakayahan nating mga babae," she said.
"Naniniwala ako na tayong mga Filipina ay may angking lakas, talino, kagandahan at katapangan."