Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo Shifts Focus to Motherhood
HIDILYN DIAZ – Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz revealed she’s now preparing for the bigger challenge of being a mom.
Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, a celebrated weightlifter from the Philippines, will be absent from the Olympics for the first time in the past five cycles. Instead, she has chosen to prioritize motherhood, recognizing it as the most significant challenge for any woman.
Following her failure to secure a spot in the Paris Summer Games due to her performance outside the Top 10 in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in Thailand, Diaz-Naranjo took to social media to reveal her plans to start a family with her husband and coach, Julius Naranjo.
Stressing the importance of family, Diaz emphasized the profound impact this new phase will have on their lives.
“NOW, FOR THE MUCH NEEDED FAMILY TIME…
“Du’n tayo sa FOREVER. God and Family are Forever!!!
“Ninong @iamnoelferrer , countdown na po to your apo!!! #ForeverGrateful,” she wrote.
Despite tying the knot with Julius two years ago, the timing for welcoming a child did not align with Diaz-Naranjo’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive Olympic appearance. Her Olympic journey commenced in 2008, with no medals until she claimed silver in Rio de Janeiro. Her gold in Tokyo 2021 was a historic moment for the Philippines, yet the shift in weight categories for the Paris Games introduced fresh obstacles.
Although Diaz-Naranjo was determined to qualify for Paris, changes in weight divisions necessitated her competing in a heavier class where competitors were naturally larger and stronger. While she will not be competing, Elreen Ann Ando will represent Team Philippines in Paris, with Diaz-Naranjo and Julius offering their support from a distance.
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