THE Hidilyn model works, according to Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez.
The model has been adopted by the sports agency in its bid to produce an Olympic gold winner.
They have called it the Hidilyn model, long before Diaz made history by winning the country’s first Olympic gold, 97 years after the Philippines first made its Olympic foray in 1924.
After her silver Olympic victory in 2016, the PSC’s board approved the requests of the SamahangWeightlifiting ng Pilipinasto form a support team for Diaz to prepare her for the 2020 Games.
“We have limited resources but we saw her potential so we took the chance,” Ramirez said.
The PSC gave its support to what is now called Team HD — foreign coach, strength and conditioning coach, masseuse, sports psychologist and a sports nutritionist. And Diaz responded by winning for flag and country.
Seeing the effect, Ramirez and the PSC board of commissioners provided the same support, based on their submitted requirements, for Caloy Yulo, EJ Obiena, and Kiyomi Watanabe, among others.
“I have always said, experience is an advantage. Hidilyn took four Olympic cycles to finally attain her golden dream,” explained the sports chief, whose own experience as a two-term chairman of the PSC helped him lead effectively.
The PSC has quietly supported the national team, spending around 2.7 billion to cover the expenses of the national team. This covered foreign exposures, trainings, equipment, meals supplies and allowances.
Ramirez said looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics now becomes a rosier picture to look forward to. By then we would have a more mature team to field.
“I think it gives everyone more impetus to plan and start their preparations,” said Ramirez, smiling “peroditomuna tayo, savor the moment and keep praying for more moments of victories for our athletes and the Filipino people.”
