Hidilyn Diaz, straight from her gold medal win at the 31st Southeast Asian Games at Hanoi, Vietnam, shares that her victory is no different from the stories of Overseas Filipinos who faced the everyday struggles of working abroad, away from their loved ones. Diaz took home the gold for the country in the Women’s 55 kg category in weightlifting.
Their struggles are harder, continues Diaz, on the experiences of Filipinos OFWs. They continued to work, despite the pandemic, and even those who lost their jobs decided to not go home, and even took on many jobs to add to their income, thinking only of the money they send back home to their loved ones. This determination is what Diaz admires and keeps in her mind and heart.
“We take in day by day and we continue with our dreams. That line is apt because we find ways. You don’t concede because you face challenges in life head on and,” says Diaz, who is now a brand ambassador of BDO Unibank.
Diaz also emphasized the value of prayer and the support from family and friends in overcoming challenges, whether in life or in international sports.
“It’s important to be able to talk to someone. I am blessed to get the support of not just my coaching team but also of my friends. Of course, there’s also the inspiration my family provides me with and my prayers to God,” said the Olympic and now SEA Games medalist.
There were times, Diaz shared, that she doubted whether she could overcome her challenges, but she convinced herself she could do it, and that she could find ways, and things worked out. The same outlook also helped her attain her Gold Medal in Weightlifting.
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