Olympian Hidilyn Diaz sets sight on first SEA Games gold medal

By Waylon Galvez

Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and two other weightlifters take the spotlight in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Fresh from her training in Taiwan, Diaz said she’s prepared for the competition, an Olympic Qualifying Tournament to the Tokyo Games next year.

“I’m excited. I’m ready and prepared for this event,” said Diaz, who is eyeing to capture her first gold medal in the SEA Games after settling with a silver medal twice, in 2011 and 2013.

The 28-year-old Diaz will see action in the women’s 55kg category.

Also seeing action in today’s weightlifting competition are Elien Rose Perez in women’s 49kg, and Dave Llyod Pacaldo in men’s 61kg.

The national team has already won a bronze medal courtesy of Mary Flor Diaz – Hidilyn’s cousin – in the 45kg women’s, and a silver medal courtesy of John Fabuar Ceniza in the 55kg men’s.

“First was a bronze, then a silver… next is a gold medal from Hidilyn. Hopefully makakuha pa tayo medals,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella.

Diaz is determined to deliver the gold in this SEA Games since the results will combine to her points in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). At the moment, she has 2,731.7699 points.

The top eight weightlifters in every category and division will earn outright spot in the Tokyo Games.

“Talagang ganun ka-importante yung manalo ng gold dito sa SEA Games kasi qualifying tournament siya for the Tokyo Olympics. Of course kasama na dun yung gusto ko manalo ng first gold medal ko sa SEA Games lalo’t dito sa bansa natin ginagawa,” said Diaz.

Four other members of the Philippine Team are set to see action in the SEAG.

They are Margaret Colonia (59kg), Elreen Ann Ando (64) and Kristel Macrohon (71kg) in the women’s category, and former Olympic veteran Nestor Colonia (67kg) in the men’s division.

Source: Manila Bulletin