Hidilyn Diaz

Hidilyn Diaz [ [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/BIO/Athlete/2/234002.shtml Official Profile at the 2008 beijing Olympics] ] (born February 20, 1991) is a 17 year-old weightlifter from Zamboanga City, Philippines. She represented the country in the 2008 Summer Olympics and is also the youngest in the 58 kg. category. [ [http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/olympics/view.php?db=1&article=20080809-153558 "15 Filipinos battle odds, Olympic gold ‘curse’"] , Inquirer.net, August 9, 2008] Diaz was a bronze medalist in the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand and achieved 10th place at the 2006 Asian Games in the 53-kilogram class. She is a student of Universidad de Zamboanga.

2008 Summer Olympics

Hidilyn Diaz was selected as a wild card entry to the Summer Olympics by the Philippine Weightlifting Association in early 2008. [ [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports4_aug8_2008 Hidilyn Diaz lifts self to Olympic heights] , Manila Standard Today] She is the first female weightlifter to compete for the Philippines in the Olympics, and the second weightlifter overall (the first being her coach, Ramon Solis). [ [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports3_aug11_2008 Love can wait for Hidilyn] , Manila Standard Today] Competing in the women's 58 kg class, 17 year-old Diaz lifted 85 kg in the snatch and 107 kg in the clean and jerk for a 192 kg total, breaking the Philippine record that she herself set at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games. [ [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports2_aug12_2008 Diaz falters; Walsh up next] , Manila Standard Today] Though she placed second to last in a field of 12 weightlifters, her performance was praised and considered promising for her age. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez said "She's here to gain valuable experience", and predicted that she would be a strong contender at future games. [ [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports2_aug11_2008 Diaz, Walsh start bid today] , Manila Standard Today] She is set to undergo an extensive training program to prepare her for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. [ [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/iserver?page=sports5_aug21_2008 PSC okays Diaz’s 4-year training] , Manila Standard Today]

References