Hidilyn Diaz bagged the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bagged the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal after dominating the women’s -55kg final at the Tokyo International Forum on Monday.
Diaz had lifted a total of 224 kilograms in the event, an Olympic record, to seal the win for the country. Her gold medal-winning lift of 127 kilograms in the clean and jerk event was also an Olympic record as well.
[UPDATE] Diaz was slated to receive PHP 35.5 million as of this writing — PHP 10 million from the Philippine government as stipulated in Republic Act 10699, PHP 2.5 million from her hometown Zamboanga City also by law, PHP 10 million each from business tycoons and sports patrons Manny Pangilinan and Ramon Ang, and PHP 3 million from Rep. Mikee Romero.
Diaz will also receive a house and lot in Tagaytay City, according to a report on The Philippine Star.
READ ALSO: Hidilyn Diaz Bags 3 Golds In Weightlifting World Cup
With this, Malacañang congratulated Diaz for her amazing achievement.
“The Palace congratulates Hidilyn Diaz for bringing pride and glory to the Philippines for winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. The entire Filipino nation is proud of you,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
Also, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded Diaz, a Philippine Air Force sergeant, for her masterful performance in the sporting world’s biggest stage.
According to AFP Spokesperson Capt. Jonathan Zata, the AFP was more than ever inspired by her exceptional hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) praised Diaz and said that her hard work finally bore fruit.
“We have been dreaming about this and believing for it and now here it is — a reality. All the hard work paid off and Hidilyn made history,” PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said.
CNN Philippines reported that the Philippines first participated in the Summer Games last 1924. Prior to Diaz’s feat, the Philippines only won 3 silver medals and 10 bronze medals in the 31 editions Filipino athletes participated.
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