AFTER losing her Paris Olympics goal, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the Philippines’ first and only Olympic gold medalist, is now preparing for life after weightlifting.
In a Facebook post, Diaz stated her acceptance of the defeat and thanked everyone who supported her in her ambitions of returning to the Olympics and potentially winning another gold medal for her country.
“The result was not according to what I wanted and planned. But Thy will be done. It was not my day and #Paris2024 is not for me,” the weightlifter wrote in her lengthy post.
“Congratulations to all the weightlifters around the world who qualified in #Paris2024, especially the Filipino Athletes, and to the athletes who did their best in the last Olympic Qualifying Competition.”
Last week, the Filipina weightlifter fell short during the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup, the final Olympic qualifying event for the Paris Olympics, which was held in Phuket, Thailand.
Diaz weighed 99 kilos for snatch and 123 kilograms for clean and jerk, totaling 222 kilograms. Still, it wasn’t enough to propel her into the top ten of both the event and the Olympic Qualification Ranking.
Photo Courtesy: Hidilyn Diaz | Facebook
However, following her defeat, the Filipina weightlifter had a number of realizations. She is now bracing herself as she begins to adapt to life beyond her weightlifting career, and for her, winning is not everything.
“I realized what is forever: and it is not FAME, not money, not even winning or losing. but God, family, and real friends. These are my FOREVER. Thank you for your heartfelt messages of love and support,” Diaz said.
“Winning is not everything; It is being on the platform and taking on the challenges that give inspiration to other athletes. Thank you to the athletes who messaged me and said that I inspired them.”
“I served and will continue to serve my purpose in weightlifting, as l inspire many athletes to dream high, take the challenge, and work hard to achieve their dreams and never give up,” she went on to explain.
For her, the Olympics, and weightlifting in general, are not everything. Over the course of her career, she has already spent a significant amount of time training and has forgotten to appreciate the process, and she will now focus on her family.
Photo Courtesy: Hidilyn Diaz | Facebook
“I will also learn to do business and invest myself in education to be a better sports leader. I have a lot of things to learn in life.
This is #FamilyTime, I will be spending time with my family, Ninongs & Ninangs, and my friends. Together, we’ll make memories and enjoy the time with them.”
More than that, Diaz will honor her vow to become a better sports leader by continuing to support the grassroots weightlifting community through a fundraising effort for the HD Weightlifting Academy.
“I will have time to give back for the sports and weightlifting. Julius and I will do a fundraising weightlifting 101 for grassroots and the @hdweightliftingacademy.”
Photo Courtesy: Hidilyn Diaz | Facebook
“I truly believe God has a better plan. I trust Him and for now, because of my love for God, weightlifting, my country and for all of you… I will continue to LIFT everything – all in God’s hands!!!”
Diaz may have fallen short of her aim of competing in the Paris Olympics, but the time she will spend with other hobbies and her family may help drive her if she decides to make a comeback.
For the time being, the Pinay weightlifting sensation will focus on doing things differently, which will provide a glimpse into her life after weightlifting. With the pride and honor she has brought to the country, she is entitled to a well-deserved rest.
