Hidilyn improves personal record

MANILA, Philippines — Hidilyn Diaz is pushing herself to the limit under the most difficult times.

And there’s little time to rest as the 2016 Olympics silver medalist ramped up her preparations for the remaining qualifiers of the rescheduled Tokyo Games.

Diaz, who is training in Kuala Lumpur, broke a personal record of 161 kgs in back squat, proving her seriousness to stay in top form amid the uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been about 10 months since I’ve have touched weights this heavy. This is a lifetime PR (personal record) for me in the back squat at 161 kgs,” said the 29-year-old weightlifter.

“I did not expect to be able to lift this weight and you can tell in my face how heavy the weight feels for me. But I am happy I am able to lift the weights and we are getting back on progress,” said Diaz, a gold medalist in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The native of Zamboanga City has been in the Malaysian capital since the pandemic broke out four months ago.

But there’s no stopping the world No. 5 weightlifter from focusing on her bid for a fourth straight Olympic appearance and another shot at the elusive first gold for the Philippines.

Already a cinch for the Summer Games given another good performance in just one of the remaining qualifiers, Diaz credited her coaches, the Philippine Sports Commission and the MVP Sports Foundation in helping her stay in tip-top shape despite being away from home.

“My team has been a blessing during this pandemic because they have kept me focused and have allowed me to not lose sight of the Philippines’ dream of its first gold medal in the Olympics,” she said.

Diaz also paid gratitude to the warm welcome and support of the Malaysian national weightlifting team.