HIDILYN Diaz said Team HD plans to keep Gao Kaiwen as consultant if they are unable to convince the Chinese coach to stay on as head coach.
Diaz told the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum that she understands the sentiments of Gao in his decision not to stay at Team HD and go home to China to be with his family.
But Diaz said Gao will still be very much a part of Team HD even from afar, with strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo taking over as head coach.
“Naiintindihan ko siya kasi matagal tagal na siyang hindi nakakauwi sa kanila. Dahil sa pandemic, mas tinetreasure niya ‘yung time with his family and ‘yung tatay niya. Etong time ng pandemic na na-realize natin ‘yung importansya ng pamilya,” said Diaz.
Hidilyn Diaz
“Nag-usap na kami ng Team HD. Si Coach Gao, baka gagawin naming consultant tapos si coach Julius ang head coach tapos hahanap kami ng assistant coach na tutulong sa amin pagdating sa laro,” said Diaz.
Diaz added she is hoping that the assistant coach will also help in training other weightlifters.
“Hoping na may itetrain din kaming ibang atleta para mas masaya ang training at mas motivated ‘yung ibang atleta to train with us,” said Diaz.
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