“I want to educate more people”: Hidilyn Diaz starts teaching at UP Diliman

Philippines weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz, who etched her name in history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, is now venturing into a new arena—academia.

The 34-year-old champion, who dominated the 55-kg division with her record-breaking snatch and clean-and-jerk performances in Tokyo, has long been celebrated as a national hero and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the Philippines. Beyond her historic triumph, Diaz has made it her mission to grow the sport of weightlifting throughout Southeast Asia. Together with her husband and coach, Julius Naranjo, she established the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal, providing a training ground for young lifters and fostering a culture of discipline, fitness, and excellence among the next generation.

Now, Diaz is bringing that same dedication and leadership into the classroom, having officially joined the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) as a faculty member. She will serve in the UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK), combining her experience as a world-class athlete with a formal role in education.

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In preparation for her teaching duties, Diaz attended the Teaching Effectiveness Course (TEC) at the UP Diliman School of Economics from January 12 to 15. She described the training as both eye-opening and invaluable in shaping her approach to teaching.

MY TEACHER IS AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST! 👩🏻‍🏫🥇

First Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz held her first class as a lecturer at the UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics on Wednesday, January 21.

She is teaching two weightlifting classes this semester. | via @albertlirio… pic.twitter.com/ic8bFD9OE5

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 21, 2026

“Good thing na naka-attend ako nitong TEC. Nagkaroon ako ng idea kung paano iyong magiging approach ko sa pag-handle ng class. I am also thankful for my CHK colleagues’ support—they were there to cheer and help me,” Diaz said, reflecting on her first steps into academia.

The Olympic champion admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as she transitions from the weightlifting platform to the classroom. “It’s a big change, but I am ready to share my knowledge and inspire students in a different way,” she added.

Through her teaching role, Diaz hopes to extend her influence beyond competitive weightlifting. By educating young students about the sport, she aims to inspire more Filipinos to embrace weightlifting, emphasizing both athletic development and the values of discipline, resilience, and hard work. Her academy in Rizal continues to serve as a hub for nurturing future champions, ensuring that her impact on Philippine weightlifting remains lasting and profound.

“I want to educate more people para mas maraming makaintindi ng weightlifting, kasi ang weightlifting ay regular event na sa Palarong Pambansa,” Diaz said, highlighting her vision to integrate weightlifting more deeply into the nation’s sporting culture.

UPD management confirmed that Diaz will teach two sections of PE 2 in weightlifting during the second semester of the 2025-26 academic year. Her classes will allow students to learn directly from one of the world’s best, providing a rare opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical expertise drawn from the international stage.

With this move, Hidilyn Diaz is not only shaping champions on the competition platform but also molding the minds and skills of the next generation of Filipino athletes. Her journey from Olympic glory to academic mentorship underscores her commitment to elevating Philippine weightlifting and inspiring a broader culture of excellence in sports and education.

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