Hidilyn Diaz visits Philippine Olympians in Paris

The Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is in Paris.

The Filipina weightlifter arrived in the French capital on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time) ahead of the Team Philippines’ weightlifting campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Diaz was seen bonding with the remaining Filipino athletes in the Olympic host city including her fellow Tokyo Olympian Eumir Marcial, who exited the medal race in his opening bout, and Hergie Bacyadan, who lost in the round of 16.

While she is yet to meet gymnast Carlos Yulo for the first time since he won his two gold medals during the Summer Games, Diaz will also be serving as an official of the International Weightlifting Federation Athletes’ Commission, where she is a member of their executive board.

Only two weightlifters are left to open their campaigns with John Ceniza being the latest casualty of Team Philippines after he was not able to continue his bid for an Olympic medal due to a shoulder injury. 

Elreen Ando will open her bid on Thursday, August 8 (Manila time) at the women’s 59kg, while Vanessa Sarno will play on early Saturday in the women’s 71kg event.