Filipino icon Hidilyn Diaz makes a winning return to weightlifting by bagging silver at the National Championships

Philippines weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games by winning the gold medal in the snatch and clean and jerk in the 55-kg division, becoming the first athlete from the Philippines to win an Olympic gold medal.

Diaz made her much-anticipated return to official competition at the recently concluded National Weightlifting Championships held in Dumaguete City. It was a successful comeback after a long absence, as she shook off rust and a lack of proper training to finish second in her event, earning a silver medal. The 34-year-old placed behind fellow Olympian Elreen Ando.

Diaz recorded a total of 202 kilograms—87 kg in the snatch and 115 kg in the clean and jerk—which wasn’t enough to win the competition. Ando, who famously edged out Diaz to secure the lone spot for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, emerged as the undisputed winner. The 26-year-old finished with a total of 220 kilograms, lifting 95 kg in the snatch and 125 kg in the clean and jerk.

Olympic gold winner Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo has officially made her return to competition by seeing action in the just-concluded National Weightlifting Championships in Dumaguete.https://t.co/DInHGaP8JI

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) June 12, 2025

It was a commendable effort from Diaz, especially considering she had only recently resumed training after dedicating time to promoting the sport of weightlifting in the Philippines. Alongside her husband and coach Julius Naranjo, Diaz runs a training school and has been instrumental in including weightlifting in the Palarong Pambansa program.

The Zamboanga City native was recently tapped by the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) to lead a crucial initiative aimed at promoting safe and proper weightlifting techniques, particularly at the grassroots level. Diaz is set to organize a comprehensive coaching course to address ongoing concerns about the safety of the sport for younger athletes.

Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of weightlifters is evident through her ongoing efforts, including the establishment of the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal. Her nephew, Matthew Diaz, recently won a gold medal in the 48-kg boys’ division at the Palarong Pambansa, showcasing the potential that proper training can unlock.

Diaz has consistently expressed her desire to represent the Philippines at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which she has said will serve as her swan song from the sport.

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