MANILA, Philippines — Carrying the weight of a country long seeking for Olympic glory, Hidilyn Diaz finally ended the seemingly interminable quest Monday night.
Diaz, in her fourth straight Olympics, delivered the Philippines’ breakthrough gold medal after conquering the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 30-year-old pride of Zamboanga City tallied 97kg in snatch but it was her Olympic record lift of 127kg in the clean & jerk that propelled her at the helm.
Her total lift of 224kg also set an Olympic record, beating a formidable field that included China’s world record holder Liao Quiyun.
Liao finished with the silver medal at 223kg. Zulfiya Chinshanlo of Kazakhstan claimed the bronze with 213kg.
In Rio 2016, Diaz won the silver medal that ended the Philippines’ 20-year drought.
sports.inquirer.net
