Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz spearheads safe weightlifting education for coaches

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is set to lead a crucial initiative aimed at promoting safe and proper weightlifting techniques, particularly at the grassroots level. Following the recent inclusion of weightlifting as a demonstration sport in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, Diaz will organize a comprehensive coaching course to address lingering concerns about the safety of the sport for younger athletes.

The move comes as weightlifting gains renewed traction in the Philippines, with its return to the Palarong Pambansa after a decades-long absence. While this inclusion saw over 70 young weightlifters compete, it also highlighted a need for better education and standardized coaching practices. Many parents and community members still harbor reservations about the risks associated with weightlifting for children.

Recognizing this gap, the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) is entrusting the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist to bridge the knowledge divide among coaches nationwide. Diaz, along with her husband and coach Julius Naranjo, has already been actively involved in conducting clinics and refreshers, such as a recent one in Agusan del Sur, where they shared techniques, proper lifting forms, and the importance of physical preparedness.

HIDILYN CONTRIBUTES TO GRASSROOTS SPORTS

WATCH: Olympic champion and Palarong Pambansa 2025 weightlifting tournament director Hidilyn Diaz gives an interview to members of the media during her visit at Laoag Central Elementary School in Ilocos Norte on 25 May 2025. | Joey… pic.twitter.com/37Uzg9jAkv

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) May 25, 2025

The upcoming coaching course will aim to equip coaches and trainers across various regions with the necessary expertise to create a safe and nurturing environment for aspiring young weightlifters. This initiative is vital as the SWP hopes weightlifting will become a regular sport in future Palarong Pambansa editions, ensuring that all coaches are knowledgeable and competent.

Diaz’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of weightlifters is evident in her continuous efforts, including the establishment of the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal. Her nephew, Matthew Diaz, recently clinched a gold medal in the 48kg boys’ division at the Palarong Pambansa, showcasing the potential that can be unlocked with proper guidance and training.

With recent successes for younger Filipino weightlifters on the international stage, including five gold medals at the International Weightlifting Federation Youth and Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru, the timing of Diaz’s coaching course is opportune. It underscores a dedicated effort to not only scout and develop talent but also to prioritize their safety and long-term well-being in the sport.

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