TOKYO – In the suspense-filled breathless end, with everything on the line and an entire nation on knife’s edge as the XXXII Olympiad weightlifting crown came down to a final heave, the Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz proved she was worth every ounce of her weight in gold.
Diaz, silver medalist in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, went to a heavier weight on her third and last lift in the 55kg category after the Chinese world record holder Quiyun Liao lifted 126 kilograms on their third attempt in the clean & jerk to go up by one kilogram overall.
Going for 127 kgs, which would go down as an Olympic record and put her on top, Diaz loaded all her talent, experience and hard work to end the nation’s 97 years of fruitless campaign for a first-ever gold medal in the Games into one final lift and made history as fans of Team Philippines – from coaches, sports officials and even the media – erupted in joyous celebration late Monday at the Tokyo International Forum.
“Hindi ako makapaniwala, lalo na Olympic record pa (I can’t believe, especially it’s an Olympic record),” said Diaz in a trembling voice before she was whisked offto the mixed zone interview.
“Nasorpresa ako na nagawa ko yon. Mga kababayan ko dyan sa Pilipinas, at mga prayer warriors ko, maraming salamat. Sa lahat ng sumoporta, nakayanan natin sa kabila ng maraming pagsubok (I was surprised with my performance. Thank you to my countrymen and prayer warriors. To all my supporters, we did it despite the trials).”
She shot two fists into the air and yelled in triumph even before the ‘good lift’ was announced.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 27, 2021 من Manila Bulletin.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 27, 2021 من Manila Bulletin.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Taking care of older persons is the collective concern of the citizenry
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on Oct. 1 each year.
Promoting safe driving in the new normal
Ford Driving Skills for Life
ON MANNY PACQUIAO - You're the greatest – Roach
From one legend to another.
NAT'L BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - PAY CUTS FOR NO VAX PLAYERS
NBA poises crackdown on those who refuse to get vaccinated
Duterte renews commitment to infra dev't
With only months left in his term, President Duterte reassured the public that his administration remains committed to its promise of infrastructure development aimed at making the Philippines a progressive nation.
Sustain Our Teachers' Enthusiasm; Enable Young Learners To Hurdle The Learning Crisis
For 10 years now, the period from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 of every year has been observed as National Teachers Month (NTM), by virtue of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Proclamation No. 242. The observance culminates on Oct. 5 that, by virtue of Republic Act 10743, is observed as World Teachers Day (WTD) and National Teachers Day (NTD) pursuant to a UNESCO mandate.
Love knows no borders
Pangasinense couple weds at checkpoint
The Next Election Is No Waste Of Time
An appeal to the young who can influence the outcome of the upcoming elections
US Olympian Biles Says She Should've Quit Earlier
Gymnastics
Drones And Jets: China Shows Off New Air Power
ZHUHAI, China (AFP) — China on Tuesday showed off its increasingly sophisticated airpower including surveillance drones and jets able to jam hostile electronic equipment, with an eye on disputed territories from Taiwan to the South China Sea and rivalry with the United States.
