Diaz equals Pacman’s mark as 4-time PSA best athlete

MANILA, Philippines — Hidilyn Diaz, with a breakthrough championship in the IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Bogota, Colombia late last year, will be the recipient of the Athlete of the Year trophy in the San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-PSA Awards Night on March 6 at the Diamond Hotel.

The humble Filipina weightlifter will be honored with her third Athlete of the Year trophy in the last five years. In all, this will be the fourth for Diaz, making her only the third person since 2000 to win the award four times after world boxing greats Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr.

“Hidilyn Diaz was the unanimous choice as Athlete of the Year for 2022 by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. Her latest triumph is a testament to her being a true world-class athlete who continues to be an inspiration to the Filipino people since her historic gold medal win in the Tokyo Olympics,” said PSA president Rey Lachica, sports editor of Tempo.

The gala night presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV, is backed by Philippine Olympic Committee, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, Milo, Rain or Shine, 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet, and ICTSI.