Hidilyn Diaz, newest member of PSA Hall of Fame

HIDILYN DIAZ, who has brought pride and glory to the country with her performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will become the newest member of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Hall of Fame. 

Diaz, a women’s weightlifting icon, will finally take her rightful place as one of the best athletes in history, to have ever represented the country on January 27 at PSA’s Awards Night. 

The Zamboanga native won the Philippines’ first gold medal in nearly a century of Olympic participation. She is responsible for finally charting the country’s name on the gold medal table.

The Diaz Effect

Diaz, who achieved the feat only a few years ago, has inspired a lot of people. She built the HD Weightlifting Academy with the goal of not just fostering dreams but also helping future generations of athletes in achieving them. 

She will now stand alongside the best athletes in Philippine sports, thanks to her advocacy and other international successes she achieved in the years leading up to her overwhelming Olympic success.

The 33-year-old weightlifter will become the latest athlete to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the country’s sports writing fraternity since the late track and field star Lydia De Vega in 2022. 

Bowlers Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo, chess maestro Eugene Torre, pool superstar Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes, the late Florencio Campomanes, and famed fighter Manny Pacquiao were also inducted.

A Memorable Night

Given Diaz’s participation at her Hall of Fame induction, the Awards Night at the Manila Hotel will be even more memorable, as Carlos Yulo will also be present. 

Yulo, who has won the Philippines’ most recent two gold medals in the Olympics, is set to be awarded the 2024 Athlete of the Year, providing a unique opportunity for both gold medalists to share a moment. 

The 4-foot-11 artistic gymnast has made it clear during his 2024 campaign that Diaz is one of his idols, stating how the weightlifter’s achievement encouraged him to reach greater heights last year.

Recognizing Greatness

Meanwhile, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas will be honored on the same occasion with the President’s Award for their bronze medal finishes in the 2024 Summer Games. Petecio is one of four Olympic athletes who has won multiple medals. 

Aside from them, the Ms. Volleyball and Mr. Basketball awards are also established. Jia Morado-De Guzman, a first-time awardee, will be joined by professional baller June Mar Fajardo and amateur awardee Kevin Quiambao. 

Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, the head of the Philippine Olympic Committee, will be crowned Executive of the Year for his leadership and oversight of the athletes’ performances in Paris 2024.