“NEW Year, new beginning, new goal.”
With these words posted on her Instagram account accompanied by a photo of her holding a replica of the iconic Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Olympic Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz hinted at the possibility of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Diaz’s fiancée and coach Julius Naranjo said they will do their best for the country.
“We know one thing that is clear, our goals, our aspirations. Everything is achievable because we will manifest it, and work for it. The first gold medal for the Philippines is not enough for our advocacy and what we are trying to do for weightlifting and sports in the Philippines. But TeamHD is committed, and we will continue to do our best for the Philippines,” Naranjo said also on Instagram.
“@hidilyndiaz journey is inspiring for many, but we know our job isn’t finished yet. Onto our next goals for 2022, up until 2024.”
Diaz, 30, bagged the historic mint in the women’s 55 kgs of weightlifting, ending the Philippines’ 97-year gold medal drought, last July.
If Diaz competes in Paris, she will likely have to see action in a new weight class. Only 10 weightlifting categories– five for men and five for women– reportedly will be contested in the 2024 Games, 14 less that in Tokyo.
Diaz’s weight class of 55kg was among those dropped by the International Weightlifting Federation for the Paris games.
Women lifters will vie in the 49kg, 59kg, 71kg, 81kg, and over-81kg divisions.
