The only Olympic gold medalist of the country, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo didn’t make it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
During the final qualification face-off at the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, Diaz was surpassed by Cebuana weightlifter Elreen Ando to gain a ticket to the 59kg women’s category of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Diaz had a total lift of 222kg versus Ando who lifted 228 during the competition.
Only one can represent the country in the 59kg class category of the Paris Olympics, making Hidilyn’s bid to the Paris Olympics over.
Despite her loss, Hidilyn said she would still continue weightlifting but was unsure if she would pursue entering the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) also made a tribute to Hidilyn.
“We have to pay tribute to Hidi. She’s our only Olympic gold medalist and inspired a lot of kids to pick up the sport of weightlifting,’’ SWP President Monica Puentevella said.
Hidilyn won the only gold medal of the Philippines in the 2020 Summer Olympics for the 55kg category.
Two years after winning the medal, the athlete married her coach, Julius Naranjo.