Filipino Role Models
Hidilyn Diaz
If you haven’t heard of her, then now is the perfect time to get to know her: Hidilyn Francisco Diaz, the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal in a non-exhibition sport! Moreover, she’s the weightlifting record holder by winning the women’s 55kg category for weightlifting at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
She did not finish her college education (she was a Computer Science major) as she felt that was not the life for her, and wanted to focus on weightlifting training. Diaz eventually returned to pursuing a degree, but one related in sports this time as this would help her improve her skills and deepen her knowledge in the sport she loves, proving that education and passion can go hand in hand in reaching one’s dreams.
Ate Hidilyn’s story is a testimony of patience, passion, endurance, and diligence as she represents the strength and resilience of Filipinos, inspiring young girl athletes to overcome their fears and believe in themselves! The world of sports is a tough one, especially when it’s a space usually dominated by boys, but as long as you work hard, never give up, and trust the process, you will be rewarded!