Hidilyn Diaz is determined to make it into the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 59-kilogram division even if she has to go toe-to-toe with rising star Elreen Ando for the right to represent the country.
In a television interview yesterday, the 31-year-old world champion said that while she and Ando haven’t talked about the situation yet, she is just focused on getting the much-needed points to qualify for the Summer Games.
Regardless of whoever makes it, Diaz said it is for the country they’re playing for after all.
“We didn’t talk about it but at the end of the day, the qualifying period is long and whoever gets a better total in the Olympic ranking gets qualified,” Diaz said.
“This is for the country at the end of the day.”
Diaz recently made the transition to the heavier 59kg as her pet event, the 55kg, has been removed by the Paris Olympics organizers.
Meanwhile, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas was honored in the recent Asian Weightlifting Federation electoral congress in Doha last 4 to 6 January.
“The award goes to all our disciplined lifters, Hidilyn, their parents, coaches, sponsors, Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Hans Sy, my fellow board members and supporters who all these years supported and prayed for our success. This award aside from the IWF Hall of Fame comes after more than twenty years of enjoying this Olympic game. To God be the glory,” Puentevella said.
