Faces of the News: Hidilyn Diaz

There’s no rivaling weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in Philippine sports the past year. But the Olympic silver medalist still looked overwhelmed after she was named the 2016 Athlete of the Year in the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night. “It’s a dream to win Athlete of the Year,” said the 25-year-old pride of Zamboanga City. “I’ve received a lot of awards the past few months, but this award means so much to me because this is something I’ve always wanted to win. And I’m with my fellow athletes.” Diaz earned the highest honor in the biggest gala event in  Philippine sports after snapping the country’s 20-year medal drought in the quadrennial Games. “Nothing is impossible as long as you dream, you focus and you love your country,” Diaz said.