All news tagged HidilynDiaz

Despite missing out on the Paris Olympics in 2024, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo remains undeterred. The country’s first Olympic gold medalist is now focused on the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, where she will compete in the women’s 58-kilogram division.

“I’m preparing for the SEA Games. Maglalaro po ako ngayong December. Again, depende sa Philippine delegation, pero maglalaro po ako,” Diaz-Naranjo shared, her determination unwavering.

For the Filipina weightlifting icon, representing the nation remains central to her career. “Bumabalik ako parati sa why. It’s always to represent my country and doing my best for the Philippines in weightlifting and also to inspire young Filipinos,” she said.

Diaz-Naranjo already boasts two SEA Games gold medals in the 55kg category and two silvers in the 58kg class, but she knows each competition demands renewed commitment.

Balancing Acts: Training, Coaching, and Inspiring the Youth

While preparing for the SEA Games, Diaz-Naranjo juggles multiple roles: mentoring young lifters for Batang Pinoy, giving motivational talks, and pushing grassroots development in weightlifting.

“Yes, [I’m] very busy. Pero ayun nga, kung may tinatarget ka, you prioritize training kahit saan ka man. Kaya tinatanong ko talaga sa hotel kung may gym ba sila. Baka pwede akong mag-training doon,” she explained.

She often trains before or after coaching sessions to maintain her own focus. “Hindi ko sinasabayan na training and coaching… minsan nag-training ako before or after nila para makapag-focus ako,” she added.

Building Back Discipline and Focus

With less than three months before the SEA Games, Diaz-Naranjo admitted she’s still finding her rhythm. “How prepared? Sorry to say, nasa 70 pa lang. So, restart ako. Nag-training ako, pero iba yung talagang from mag-start ako sa anong ginawa ko nung sa Olympics,” she shared.

Her preparation is both physical and mental, with renewed emphasis on mindset and weekly mental training. She’s also prioritizing injury prevention and diet as she balances her demanding schedule with consistent workouts.

A year to remember in Philippine sports annals will be celebrated by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) in grand fashion as it holds its annual Awards Night on January 27, 2025 at the historic Manila Hotel.

 The country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, is set to honor the best and brightest personalities and entities who made the country proud in the year that’s about to end.

 In a memorable 2024 campaign, the Philippines elevated its standards by gaining a first ever double gold medal in the Olympics courtesy of dynamic gymnast Carlos Yulo during the 33rd edition of the Games in Paris, France.

 The feat came four years after lady weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gave the country a breakthrough Olympic gold in Tokyo, and transpired during the same period when the Filipinos commemorate their 100 years of participation in the quadrennial showcase.

 The Paris stint also saw Philippine boxing rising to the occasion again by winning a pair of bronze medals through the robust fists of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. 

Yulo and the rest of the Filipino Olympians including the country’s representatives to the Paralympic Games, will be at the forefront of the traditional festivities where the awarding of the Athlete of the Year serves as its highlight.

 Another special part of the program is the induction of another Filipino great to the PSA Hall of Fame. The late track and field legend Lydia De Vega was the last celebrated athlete to be recognized with the honor.

 In celebration of the country’s centennial participation in the Summer Games, past Filipino Olympians will likewise have their own moments during the awards ceremony.

 The customary awards like the Executive of the Year, National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, President’s Award, and top performers such as Mr. Basketball, Ms. Volleyball, among others, are also going to be handed out.

 To be recognized too, are major awardees in different sports, the usual citations to different sports figures and individuals, and the regular Tony Siddayao Awards and MILO Awards for junior athletes.

 Not to be forgotten with a prayer and minute of silence are the personalities who passed away in the year 2024.