Filipinos love an underdog. This is why the story of Hidilyn Diaz–a girl in a man’s world overcoming all to win the gold–resonated so much with everyone. By now, how she worked her way up to becoming a full-fledged Olympian is known all over the country. But what hasn’t been put in the spotlight much is what the normal Filipino and Filipina, kids, most especially, can do to reach their dreams, just like how Hidilyn did it.
Grit and determination were always present in Hidilyn’s life, even when she was young.
Curiosity brought her to lift her first weights, but it was grit and determination that kept her going back, even when it was difficult. When she was starting, she didn’t dream of an Olympic goal right away. All she wanted was to become better and better at it, every single day.
Hidilyn didn’t let anything get in the way of her weightlifting, no matter how tough things got. She showed her grit and determination at a young age, saying, “Nung grade six ako, mahirap yung buhay. Pero naghanap kami ng paraan para makapag-training. Malayo yung gym namin, a two rides din ‘yon, pero pumupunta pa rin kami kahit malayo, basta maka-train.” Tween Hidilyn was already a force to be reckoned with, even back then!
Hidilyn wasn’t born with the tools and traits necessary to become an Olympian. She had to start somewhere and keep pushing herself, even when things got hard. When it comes to grit and determination, it’s not something you have or don’t have. It’s something you do every day, in everything you do, until it becomes second nature. Hidilyn says, “How to handle the situation and knowing how to respond sa mga sitwasyon, being determined sa mga ginagawa mo, matutunan yan ng mga bata sa sports at sa buhay.”
It’s not just important to stay healthy and fit, but seeing your progress pushes you to keep on going, giving you the grit and determination you need to reach your goal.
Eating well must be done in tandem with physical activity. Think of food as fuel, and your body as a vehicle. It won’t run properly without the right fuel! Hidilyn says that growing up, her mom fed them vegetables and other food that built their bones and stamina. Hidilyn says, “Kailangan disiplinado sa kinakain, kasi naka re-reflect din yung iyong performance namin as an athlete and anong long-term mangyayari sa performance namin.” Calcium helps strengthens bones and builds muscle, which help in any physical activity. Calcium and other strength-building nutrients are found in Cheez Whiz, making it a yummy way for your kids to enjoy eating their nutrients–it’s the Filipinos’ favorite spread, after all.
Hidilyn’s grit and determination helped bring her to the podium. It shows that when you keep trying and get stronger each day, there’s nothing you can’t overcome!
