Philippines celebrates weightlifter’s silver medal in Rio
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hidilyn Diaz, of the Philipines, competes in the women’s 53kg weightlifting competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday.
MANILA » The Philippines celebrates the silver medal win of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro — and a break to the 20-year medal drought for the Southeast Asian country.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman Ernesto Abella said today Duterte joins Filipinos in celebrating Diaz’ victory. He says the president has sent his congratulations to the athlete, an Air Force soldier, who has brought honor to the country.
Vice President Leni Robredo says Diaz serves as an inspiration to every Filipino and a reminder that no challenge is too heavy for a Filipino woman to overcome.
The three-time Olympian’s medal is the Philippines’ first since boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco won the silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Diaz placed during the women’s 53kg weightlifting competition Sunday.
6 responses to “Philippines celebrates weightlifter’s silver medal in Rio”
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I read that she is the first Filipino woman to win an Olympic medal. Congratulation to Ms. Diaz and all Olympians competing in Rio.
CHHHEEEEEE HOOOOOO!!!!! Great to see countries with less resources to devote to training win a medal. Winning a medal is tough enough but to win one without the resources richer nations have is truly inspiring.
Yes, it’s nice when the celebration of excellence does not depend on national borders.
Lots of Asians in Weightlifting, Shooting, Ping Pong, Badmington, etc. Surprising. PRK, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, too. Many other small nations scoring unexpectedly. Love underdogs, but more the USA.
Congratulation!
Rocky Balboa. Balboa can be one Filipino name.