Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz competes during the women’s 53kg weightlifting event at the Rio 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / GOH Chai Hin
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Monday praised Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for ending the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought after she bagged a silver medal in the 53-kilogram weightlifting competition at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Robredo lauded Diaz’s determination and hard work which helped her overcome challenges.
The Vice President said that the Zamboanga City native has become an inspiration to Filipinos after her historic win.
READ: Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz wins silver in Rio
“Pinahanga mo kami sa iyong husay, pagsisikap at determinasyon sa gitna ng iyong mga pinagdaanang pagsubok (We look up to your skills, hard work and determination amid the challenges you face).”
“You serve as an inspiration to every Filipino and a reminder that no challenge is too heavy for a Filipina woman to overcome,” Robredo said in a statement.
Diaz became the first Filipina as well as the first athlete from Mindanao to win an Olympic medal.
READ: Hidilyn Diaz’s family, friends celebrate historic win at Rio Olympics
The Philippines sent a 13-member delegation to the Rio Games, with our athletes competing in boxing, golf, judo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, track and field, weightlifting and women’s marathon. RAM
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