AFTER narrowly missing out on a spot in the Paris Olympics at the IWF World Cup, tributes poured in for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the country's first Olympic gold medalist.
Diaz, who aimed for a second Olympic gold in the women’s 59kg division, fell short of the required lift to secure qualification.
With the possibility of Diaz's retirement looming, social media platforms were flooded with messages of gratitude for Diaz's profound impact on the nation through her great weightlifting career.
Ando: Hidilyn is my inspiration
That included Elreen Ando, who captured the Olympic berth by beating her idol in the World Cup in Phuket, Thailand.
“Picture with my idol,” wrote Ando on her Instagram Story.
"Thank you for being my inspiration, ate," Ando also wrote on her Facebook account.
Diaz responded by congratulating Ando.
“Kalaro, kaibigan, kasama. Congrats @andoks59 well-deserved to have the slot in Paris 2024,” Diaz said.
Tolentino hails Diaz
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino also gave encouraging words to Diaz even with her failed bid for the Olympics.
“Don’t say sorry, anak. You’re still the queen,” Tolentino on his Facebook page.
“You are still our champion. Respect for winning the first gold medal in the Olympics for our country. Continue pursuing your passion, and we are here to support you,” said Tolentino.
Fellow athletes also thanked Diaz.
“Our forever champ,” wrote fellow Olympian Jasmine Alkhaldi of swimming.
Diaz also shared kind words from several people on her Instagram account.
“Win, lose, or draw, Hidilyn Diaz is a true champion,” wrote @unique145 on Instagram. “She has been to every Olympic Games since 2008 which is an incredible achievement. She singlehandedly increased the competitiveness of the Philippines through her hardwork and dedication.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
