For Hidilyn Diaz, Winning the Gold is Just the Beginning
Winning
the gold medal is the definitive goal of any Olympic athlete. For 30-year-old
Hidilyn Diaz, getting the gold was not the final aspiration but a part of a
bigger purpose – that is to inspire all Filipinos to aim high in everything
they do.
Filipinos
all over the world celebrated Diaz’s achievement when she took home the
country’s first ever gold from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It was a long journey
for the Zamboanga native, but it was all worth it. Diaz started lifting weights
at the age of 11 using a homemade concrete barbell. Six years later, she went
on to represent the country in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games. A year after,
she competed in 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, followed by the 2012 London
Olympics then in the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2018, she was present in the Asian
Games and then finally, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Like
many people, Diaz experienced physical pain and extreme fatigue from her
rigorous training. Not to include that she was away from her family and was
staying in a foreign land to train. Notwithstanding, she found ways and did not
lose sight of the coveted Olympic gold.
From
banker to weightlifter
Not
many people know that Diaz dreamed of working in a bank thinking that she would
be able to help her family cope with financial struggles.
“When
I was a child, I told my mom that I want to work in a bank and count money to
lessen her financial worries,” she said.
Growing
up poor, Diaz helped her father sell vegetables and fish on the streets while
still at school. It was through her cousin that she was introduced to sports at
a young age. Her curiosity and will to survive brought her to try out
basketball, volleyball, badminton, and eventually, weightlifting.
As
an athlete, the rewards and opportunities she received from the government and
different sectors and individuals, enabled her to fulfill the childhood dream
of helping her parents.
However,
her dream of becoming a banker remains – this time as someone who inspires and
teaches other people how to manage their money. Diaz wants to help her fellow
athletes learn how to save and grow
their hard-earned money. “I once made an unwise decision with my money. I want
to share what I learned to them,” she remarked.
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Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz supports BDO's advocacies on financial inclusion and financial education. |
Present
during the meet & greet were BDO Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, BDO President
& CEO Nestor V. Tan, and other BDO executives and guests, namely, BDO
senior vice president and remittance head Geneva Gloria; BDO senior vice
president and cash management head Carlo Nazareno; coach Julius Naranjo;
Diaz's business manager Noel Ferrer; BDO senior assistant vice president and
Corporate Communication's Head Honey Reyes; and, BDO first vice president and
marketing services head Hannah Lopez.
Her heart is set on inspiring all the Filipinos living or
working here and abroad facing their own challenges to achieve their goals.
“There
is no quick way to success. Hard work and determination are important. Remember
to surround yourself with people who will help you fulfill your dreams,” shared
Diaz.
She
doesn’t see herself retiring in the foreseeable future. “As long as I’m able
and my body still affords the training, I will carry on and do what I love to
do.” As Diaz continues to lift weights, she will also continue to lift the
spirits of Filipinos who may be losing sight of their goal amid the pandemic.
In her own words, “kayang-kaya ‘yan
kabayan”.
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