Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the Philippine’s first Olympic gold medalist, adds another accolade to her name by winning another first for the country at the 2022 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championships in Bogota, Colombia, winning 3 golds in the women’s 55kg division on Wednesday, December 7 (Thursday, December 8, Manila time).
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Jose Emmanuel “Noli” M. Eala congratulated Diaz in an official statement. The PSC and Eala said, “Hidilyn has proven once again that the fire in her heart to be second to none in her field continues to burn and remains the benchmark by which every weightlifter and Filipino athlete must measure themselves against.”
“The PSC will forever be proud of Hidilyn as the epitome of a great champion and will always provide support in her continuing quest to bring honor to our country. Mabuhay!” Eala added.
During the competition Diaz, cleared 93 kg in snatch, 114 kg in clean and jerk, for a total lift of 207 kg., outlifting Colombia’s Rosalba Morales and Mexico’s Ana Gabriela Lopez.
The win adds the elusive world title to Diaz’s trophy case which includes gold medals from the Olympics, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games.
Aside from Diaz-Naranjo, other Filipino weightlifters are expected to vie for medals in the world tilt and slots to the 2024 Paris Olympics, including Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ando, Asian champion Vanessa Sarno, Kristel Macrohon, and Dave Lloyd Pacaldo.
PSC took care of all possible support to Diaz and her team on their participation in this event. (PSC PR)
Photo Credit: Reuters / Charlinee Thirasupa
