Hidilyn Diaz's Final Preparations for Fifth Consecutive Olympic Appearance
30 January 2024

Hidilyn Diaz’s Final Preparations for Fifth Consecutive Olympic Appearance

As Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo gears up for the final leg of her journey towards a fifth consecutive Olympic Games in Paris, the Tokyo Olympics weightlifting gold medalist remains steadfast in her pursuit. Positioned unshakably in the top 10 of the women’s 59-kilogram category, Diaz-Naranjo is far from complacent as she enters the concluding phase of her five-meet Olympic qualification series.

The 32-year-old athlete from Zamboanga City, who clinched a silver medal in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, is poised to make history with a record appearance in the Olympics. Her unwavering focus is now set on the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup scheduled from April 2 to April 11 in Phuket, Thailand.

Diaz-Naranjo stands shoulder to shoulder with swimming legend Teofilo Yldefonso, the only other Filipino Olympian with two medals in the quadrennial global meet, having secured bronze in the 1928 and 1932 Summer Games. Her potential accomplishment would mark her as a trailblazer in the history of Philippine Olympic achievements.

While Diaz-Naranjo’s journey is undeniably impressive, it’s not without formidable challenges. A slew of formidable competitors, including world champion Luo Shifang of China, Ukraine’s Kamila Konotop, Chinese Taipei’s Kuo Hsing-chun, and Asian Games champion Kim II-gyong of North Korea, stands as significant roadblocks on her quest for podium glory.

As Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo readies herself for the IWF World Cup, the anticipation builds not only for her individual pursuit but also for the potential rewriting of Philippine Olympic history. With her tenacity and proven prowess, Diaz-Naranjo remains a symbol of excellence and determination in the realm of international weightlifting.

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