Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz joins UP as lecturer to promote weightlifting in the Philippines

Philippines weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz, who made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by capturing the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, is set to embark on a new chapter—this time in academia.

The 34-year-old champion, who ruled the 55-kg division with her gold-medal performance in the snatch and clean and jerk, has since become a household name and an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation. Beyond her Olympic triumph, Diaz has dedicated herself to promoting weightlifting throughout Southeast Asia, even establishing the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal, alongside her husband and coach Julius Naranjo.

Now, Diaz is taking her advocacy to the classroom. Invited as a guest speaker during the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Human Kinetics (CHK) Recognition Rites last July 5, she expressed her eagerness to teach—and soon after, she was officially appointed as a lecturer by the UP-CHK College Executive Board.

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Speaking to the media, Diaz said her move into teaching stems from her desire to nurture the next generation of Filipino weightlifters and share her expertise. She also took to Instagram to reflect on this new journey.

PROF HIDILYN 💪🏼

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz announced on Thursday, October 16, that she will soon teach at the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics.

“Designing a curriculum to promote and spread weightlifting has always been a dream. I’m excited and… pic.twitter.com/HblLxAkAIJ

— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) October 16, 2025

“New chapter loading. Met with the members of the College Executive Board of UP-CHK as I prepare for my upcoming teaching engagement. It’s a new path, a level-up opportunity to become a lecturer at UP CHK,” Diaz wrote.

“When they asked, ‘Why teach?’ I said, ‘Because I want to keep learning, and I hope my students will learn from me.’ Designing a curriculum to promote and spread weightlifting has always been a dream. I’m excited and nervous, but ready to give my best.”

“I love weightlifting, and I will keep doing my best to grow and share the sport I love. Can’t wait to meet my future students and co-faculty members. Thank you, UP, for welcoming me and believing in what I can share. Excited to start this new journey. See you in January 2026,” she added.

Through her teaching role, Diaz hopes to extend her influence beyond the competition platform, inspiring more Filipinos to take up the sport. Her Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy continues to serve as a training ground for young lifters in Rizal, nurturing future champions and promoting fitness and discipline among the youth.

At UP, weightlifting and weight training are offered both as optional Physical Education (PE) classes and as required courses for Sports Science majors, making Diaz’s addition to the faculty a fitting and exciting development for the country’s premier state university.

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