Diaz gets diamond ring after Tokyo gold

MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella is optimistic that Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz will still compete in the 2024 Paris Games even though she recently got engaged.

“I think it will not affect her decision,” Puentevella yesterday told The STAR moments after Diaz announced her engagement with conditioning coach Julius Naranjo, who presented her a barbell-shaped diamond ring at the Resorts World Manila.

“On the other hand, I hope she makes it to Paris,” said Puentevella.

The 30-year-old Diaz has remained undecided if she will shoot for another Olympic mint in Paris although she has committed to see action in the World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in December this year, and the Hanoi SEA Games and Hangzhou Asiad next year.

In fact, Diaz and Naranjo left yesterday for Malaca, Malaysia, where she trained for more than a year on her way to copping the Tokyo Olympics gold, to resume her training for the Tashkent tilt.

But for now, Diaz wants just to cherish the moment with her Guamanian fiancé, whom she met when they competed for their respective countries in the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan four years ago.

“It’s a magical moment. I’m grateful to God that He sent Julius into my life. He (Naranjo) makes my life easy,” said Diaz.

Diaz not only has an Olympic gold but a diamond ring as well.