RELATIONSHIP goals can wait a while for Asian Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
While the 27-year-old weightlifter admitted she has a boyfriend at the moment, Diaz also made it clear what is her priority at the moment.
"Weightlifting talaga ang priority ko and to represent the Philippines," said Diaz during the arrival ceremony welcoming her and fellow gold winners Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan, and Lois Kaye Go Tuesday night at the Immigration lounge of the NAIA Terminal 2.
But Diaz, the Zamboanga City native, lauded her boyfriend for being understanding.
"Suwerte ako sa boyfriend ko kasi naintindihan niya ako," she said. "At naintindihan niya na hindi siya yung unang priority ko."
Hidilyn's boyfriend was among those who welcomed her at the airport, although she'd rather not let him be exposed in public.
"Andiyan po siya sa labas," she said of her boyfriend.
Diaz intends to participate first in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before she starts thinking about serious relationships and having a family of her own.
"Medyo madugo ang preparasyon kasi nanalo na ako ng silver kaya dapat doblehin ko yung ginawa ko noong 2016," she said of her silver-medal feat in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Her parents, Emelita and Eduardo Diaz, support whatever the decision of their Olympian daughter.
"Nasa tamang edad na rin naman siya para mag-asawa, pero sana pagtapos na ng Olympics," said Hidilyn's mother.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William 'Butch' Ramirez led sports and government officials who welcomed Diaz, the Filipina golfers, and the other returning athletes who came home from the Jakarta-Palembang Asiad.
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go joined Ramirez along with Samahang Weighlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella, National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) secretary general Valeriano 'Bons' Floro, Air Force chief of staff Gen. Allen Paredes, Zamboanga City 1st district congressman Celso Lobregat and partylist representative Mark Zambar.
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