#PlayLikeAGirl: Hidilyn Diaz overcomes struggles for something extraordinary

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos often feel a sense of pride when our “kababayans” make a name for themselves internationally.

From Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray winning Miss Universe to half-Filipino Darren Criss winning an Academy award, our countrymen never lack that sense of “Filipino pride.”

In the world of sports, it remains the same. 

One of the more recent sources of this collective sense of accomplishment is the international success of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.

Coming from a simple family in Zambaonga City, Diaz is a perfect example of a rags-to-riches story.

Diaz first made headlines in 2016 during the Rio Olympics when she nabbed silver in the women's 53-kg weightlifting division, breaking the country's 20-year Olympic medal drought.

Since then, the 28-year-old star continued to make waves in the global weightlifting scene. In 2018, Diaz gave the Philippines its first gold medal in the Asian Games for that year.

But Diaz' success didn't come without challenges.

"Struggles? I think it's natural if you want to do something extraordinary," Diaz said in an online interview with Philstar.com.

From working to keep herself healthy during trainings to coping with giving up so much of her life for weightlifting, Diaz certainly didn't have a lack of obstacles in her path to greatness.

But her biggest challenge is something that doesn't just revolve around herself.

"I struggle also to make people and sports officials understand that every athlete deserves respect and support. We give our life and dreams to serve the Philippines," Diaz said.

As much as Diaz' achievements serve as a stepping stone for the weighlifter's individual career, the athlete knows she has so much more on her shoulders every time she steps out on the mats.

"I think the impact I make is to inspire Filipino female athletes that they can do it as well... A Filipina can be a sports hero," she said.

Despite her already decorated career, Diaz is still on her way up and on track to give the Philippines its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020.

Come the Summer Olympics, all eyes will be on her.

"I get pressured, that's already a given since I won silver in 2016... but I've been through a lot and hopefully it will serve its purpose when I compete in Tokyo," Diaz said.

"When I win a gold medal in the Olympics... I would say every pain, tears and screams in training will be worth it," she said.