Hidilyn Diaz posts tribute to Tokyo 2020, admits to having doubts, anxiety before Olympics

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz admitted having her share of doubts and fears when the coronavirus pandemic put a halt on most of the world's activities.

Diaz recalled this in a social media post on Sunday, as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics came to a close.

"Thank you God sa lahat, aaminin ko nabuhay ako with doubts, takot, at anxiety sa puso ko simula nun lockdown last March 2020 hanggang sa matapos laro ko nun July 26, 2021," Diaz wrote in the caption of her post.

[Thank you God for everything. I'll admit it. I lived with doubts, fear, and anxiety in my heart from the lockdown last March 2020 until my event ended last July 26, 2021.]

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hidilyn Diaz OLY (@hidilyndiaz)

"Ang daming nangyari sa buhay ko at sa buhay natin, lahat na binago ng pandemic."

[There were many changes that happened in our lives, including mine, because of the pandemic.]

"'Di natin sukat akalain matutuloy ang Olympics at 'di natin sukat akalain [na] maiuwi ko ang gold medal para sa Pilipinas. Basta huwag tayo sumuko, laban lang sa buhay. Kaya natin 'to," she added.

[We did not expect that the Olympics would push through and I will be able to bring home the gold medal for the Philippines. As long as we do not give up and keep fighting, we can do this!]

The Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist also thanked Japan, the organizers of the Summer Games, private sponsors, and those who helped her in Malaysia for making everything happen.

"Thank you Tokyo 2020. Di kita makakalimutan."

[Thank you Tokyo 2020, I will never forget you.]

Diaz on July 26 became the first Filipina Olympic gold medalist after dominating the women's weightlifting 55 kg event.

The Philippines bagged four medals from the Tokyo Games, including Diaz' gold, and two silvers and one bronze from the Philippine boxing team.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News