How does student-athlete Hidilyn Diaz balance her training and studies?

It may not be known to many, but the Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is still finishing her Business Management degree at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB).

Even before clinching the Olympic gold, Diaz recalled that she was trying to balance her time for training and studying—a challenging task for an elite athlete like her.

"Naalala ko before Olympics, nasa training ako. Pero dahil may schedule ako ng online classes, nagte-training pa rin ako tapos nagre-recite ako sa online classes," Diaz said on Thursday after receiving her school's The Benilde Medallion.

"Medyo mahirap. Minsan nagagalit coaches ko, pero kailangan kong mag-participate din."

["I remember before Olympics, I was in training. But because I have scheduled online classes, I was training and at the same time I was reciting in the online classes. It's a bit difficult. Sometimes my coaches get angry, but I have to participate."]

It was a good thing that Diaz is surrounded by people supporting her dreams.

"Buti na lang, naiintindihan din ng coaches ko and ng teachers ko na kailangan ko [itong] gawin. Kailangan ko pa rin mag-aral kasi ito ang pangarap ko, kailangan ko pa rin mag-training kasi malapit na ang Olympics. Grateful ako na nandyan ang CSB na naiintindihan ang setup ko before Olympics," she said.

["It's a good thing that my coaches and teachers understand that I have to do this. I needed to study because this is my dream, I needed to train because the Olympics was drawing near. I am grateful that CSB was there and understood my setup before Olympics."]

With CSB giving a scholarship to national athletes starting next school year, Diaz gave advice to those who will be chosen for the program.

"Mahirap pagsabayin ang pagiging estudyante at pagiging atleta lalo na sa elite level, pero kung gugustuhin nating makapagtapos at gugustuhin nating ma-achieve ang career natin, kayang-kaya," the weightlifter said.

["It's difficult to juggle being a student and being an athlete especially at the elite level, but if you really desire to finish school and desire to achieve in your career, it can be done."]

"Kailangan lang talaga be surrounded with people na maiintindihan tayo and tutulungan tayo ma-achieve ang dream natin at tayo as students and athletes, kailangan may hard work din," she added. "Sana isipin nila na ito ang pinasok nila. Dapat be committed. Manage your time well."

["You just need to be surrounded with people who understand you and who will help you achieve your dream, and of course we need to work hard as students and athletes. They should think about what they are getting into, they have to committed."]

On top of her training as an athlete, Diaz said she is currently enrolled in CSB with 15 units, or an equivalent of five subjects.

"Medyo mahirap dahil bumabalik nga 'yung schedule ko [for training] twice a day. [Pero] kaya naman," Diaz said.

"[In] three to four terms, hoping na may diploma na ako... Malapit na."

["It's getting harder because my schedule is returning to the twice a day  (training). But I'm managing. In three to four terms, hoping I get my diploma. It's just around the corner."]

—MGP, GMA News