Diaz continues to make strides in her new weight class.
It has been a year full of trials for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
Diaz had to move up two weight divisions this year after the 53 kg division and the 55 kg weight class had both been removed.
Nonetheless, the 32-year-old weightlifter took it as a challenge to ensure she could still compete against some of the best in the 59 kg weight category.
And based on how Diaz fared this year, it’s safe to say that she’s been adjusting well to her new competition.
During the 2023 IWF World Weightlifting Championships held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Diaz finished in fourth place, just short of a podium finish. This was the first time she competed in her new weight class.
Come the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Diaz once again came close to bagging a medal for the Philippines, finishing fourth as well.
Given that it’s only her first year in the weight class, Diaz has shown she still has what it takes.
In an Instagram post, Diaz reflected on the year which has been full of trials and challenges.
“I started with a lot of doubts, fears, and questions: 'Can I still do it? Can I still qualify for the (2024 Paris Olympics)' I got injured, and cried a lot, as I am giving my all for my last dance in Paris,” Diaz said in an Instagram post.
Still, Diaz chooses to continue her battle and is even confident of making it to Paris.
“I am closing 2023 with confidence that I can make it to my 5th Olympics and that I will give my best for the country,” said Diaz.
“That’s because God gave me a dream in my heart and the strength to face the challenges of being an athlete. He gave me a team that believes in me and trusts me that I can do it,” she added.
Diaz, however, ended the year on a rather bad note as she failed to complete her attempts in the recently concluded IWF Grand Prix II campaign in Doha, Qatar.
Despite this setback, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist will continue her fight in 2024.
“It’s not just about lifting weights, it’s about lifting dreams for my sport, for the future, and #ParaSaBayan. We continue to believe, dream, and trust the process. #Paris2024, here I come,” said Diaz.
(CF)