Duterte ‘overjoyed’ at Diaz’s silver medal win in Rio Olympics

Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz shows her winning form in this file photo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte was “overjoyed” after Filipino athlete Hidilyn Diaz won the silver medal in the 53-kilogram class of the weightlifting competition at 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

“As the President of this country, I am overjoyed. Silver is silver,” Duterte said in an interview in Davao City on Monday night.

Diaz’ silver medal win ended the country’s 20-year dry spell in the Olympics.

READ: Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz wins silver in Rio

Duterte said he was happy that Diaz was inspired by his words.

The President earlier challenged the 13-man Philippine contingent to the Rio Olympics to give their all for the honor of the country.

READ: Duterte dares Filipino Olympians: Give all for PH

“So I’d like to congratulate Miss Diaz for the honor that she has given us, to the country and I’m praying that you’ll be successful in your many courses of life and in the Olympics,” he said.

The 71-year-old Chief Executive told Filipino athletes that “it is not in the winning, it is in your drive to strive to win.”

“Pero yung manalo, siyempre mas extra happy tayo (But we are extra happy for the win),” he said.

Duterte said he was eager to welcome Diaz in Malacañang.

“I’d like to wait for you and see you in the people’s Palace in Malacanang. Salamat for your effort, Saludo po ako sa iyo,” he said. RAM