TOKYO (AP) From a bamboo pole to Olympic gold, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s arduous buildup to the Tokyo Games culminated on the top step of the podium.
Diaz won the first gold medal for the Philippines on Monday, a triumphant result for a country that has competed at every Summer Olympics except one since 1924.
Diaz, who upset world record holder Liao Qiuyun of China with her final lift, was training in Malaysia when the coronavirus pandemic hit and has been separated from her family for quite some time.
“I’m looking forward to going home to the Philippines and being with my family, because I really miss them,” Diaz said. “I’m looking forward to enjoying life because I’ve been in Malaysia for almost three years, so I’m really thankful that I can go home now and celebrate with my family.”
Weightlifter Diaz wins first ever Olympic gold for Philippines
arabnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from arabnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Olympics roundup
arkansasonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from arkansasonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.