CHONBURI, Thailand – Hidilyn Diaz admitted retirement has crossed her mind as she struggled with the mental aspect of weightlifting in the build-up for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist failed to podium on Sunday in her SEA Games comeback, finishing fourth in the women’s 58kg division with a total of 200 kilos, a far 15kg behind bronze medal winner Quang Thi Tam of Vietnam.
READ 'Multi-tasking' Hidilyn Diaz fails to medal in SEA Games return
The 34-year-old Diaz admitted losing her motivation after she failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, not only skipping competitions but also gaining weight which was evident at the Chonburi Sports School on Sunday.
Diaz said returning to the SEA Games brought back her competitive fire, but a bothersome right knee injury affected her preparation.
“This is my best for now kasi may injury ako at nahihirapan ako mag-drop weight kasi lumaki ako. Pero it’s not an excuse. At the end of the day, hindi ako sumuko. Nag-prepare ako and I’m happy to represent our country,” said Diaz.
“Nagka-injury ako before the Olympic qualifying (2024). After not qualifying sa Paris, medyo nawalan ako ng motivation. This is my first international competition after 2024. I’m happy to be back again."
Diaz said she has no problems with the physical aspect of the sport, but added she needs to address the psychological side to be back at her best.
“It’s not the physical training, it’s the mental training. Doon ako nahirapan. Tapos almost two years akong hindi naglaro. Na-miss ko rin maglaro sa Philippines at sa podium. I’m happy to be back,” Diaz said.
Diaz said she competed in the SEA Games for a bigger purpose, which was to motivate her teammates in their bid to win medals, and inspire others with her presence.
“Nandito ako for the Philippines. I have to stand for the athletes behind me and I have to motivate them kahit nahirapan ako. It’s a different story. It’s a not-giving-up story for Hidilyn Diaz,” said the multi-titled lifter from Zamboanga.
Diaz said she plans to compete in qualification tournaments for the 2028 Olympics, where she is targeting to enter in the 61-kilogram division.
But the two-time SEA Games gold medalist admitted she also has other plans outside of being an athlete.
“Depende sa takbo ng mga plano. May mga plano. Nandoon na tayo. Malapit na sa retirement pero siyempre, kailangan nating tignan.
‘Yun ang problema ng athlete eh. After winning gold, what’s next? Medyo magulo pa ang isip. Definitely hindi pa, pero nandoon na (plan to retire),” said Diaz.
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