CHONBURI – Hidilyn Diaz pumped the brakes on expectations of another Southeast Asian Games gold medal here, as she competes on Sunday at the Chonburi Sports School.
The 34-year-old Diaz will be gunning for her third gold in the regional meet, as she is entered in the women’s 58kg division. She previously won gold in 2019 in Manila and 2022 in Hanoi.
She makes her return to the SEA Games after being out of action in 2023. Admittedly though, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist didn't have the best of preparations.
Diaz had to balance her training for Thailand with coaching young lifters at her academy in Jala-Jala, Rizal, and other weightlifting-related undertakings to grow the sport in the country.
It's more fun for the Philippines
Diaz is aware of the expectations back home, but said she was careful not to overthink during her preparations. She also wants to be an inspiration to other athletes who aspire to compete at the regional level.
“Sa totoo lang, yes, ‘yun ang iniisip ko nung buong preparation. Alam ko ‘yung expectation sa akin ay mataas. So ‘yung pressure din, mataas,” said Diaz in an interview during Day 1 of the weightlifting tournament.
“’Yung journey ay hindi ko na-enjoy kasi iniisip ko, paano kapag hindi ko nagawa ito, paano 'pag eto, nagkamali ako. Nandoon ako sa ganung moment. Sabi ko, hindi pwedeng ganito. I really have to enjoy this moment and be proud na I’m representing Philippines again sa Southeast Asian Games.
“Nag-prepare ako for this at kailangan ko i-enjoy ang proseso, i-enjoy ko ‘yung moment na nandito ako and makita ‘yung mga athletes na seeing me here, still fighting for the Philippines, I hope na mabigyan din sila ng inspirasyon.”
Despite being an Olympic gold medalist, Diaz said she is up against formidable foes.
Among the weightlifters entered in her event are Asian Championships snatch, clean and jerk, and total silver medalist Suratwadee Yodsarn of Thailand and clean and jerk bronze medalist Thi Tam Quang of Vietnam.
“Dito pa lang sa Southeast Asia, talagang Olympics na ang standard ng weightlifting. Hindi ko masasabi kung ano ang resulta bukas, pero magiging close fight ‘yun. Alam ko gagawin ko ‘yung best ko for the Philippines. Sobrang excited ako,” Diaz said.
“No promises for gold but one thing na isu-sure ko, gagawin ko best ko.”
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