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Philippine military chief General Cirilito Sobejana paid tribute to Sergeant Hidilyn Diaz, saying her “perseverance and dedication” that earned her the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal served as an inspiration to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the entire country.
“Her masterful performance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she also set an Olympic record in the 55kg division, brought pride and glory to the AFP and the country. We are now more than ever inspired by her exceptional hard work, perseverance, and dedication,” Sobejana said in a statement on Monday, July 26.
Diaz is a sergeant at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Civil Military Operations Group. After her victory in the 2018 Asian Games, she was promoted from airwoman first class to sergeant.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who oversees all units of the military, said of Diaz’s victory: “Her success is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Filipino to rise above all odds. Your One Defense Team is proud of you, Sergeant Diaz!”
PAF chief Lieutenant General Allen Paredes, for his part, said: “The men and women of the PAF join the country in celebrating this historic event. Sergeant Diaz truly personifies Diwa, Galing. at Malasakit of the Airmen and Airwomen.”
On Monday night, Diaz won the country’s first-ever gold in nearly 100 years of joining the Olympics. Diaz managed to beat world record holder Liao Qiuyun of China in the weightlifting women’s 55kg event. The Philippines’ golden girl managed to lift 127kg in the clean and jerk category and made an Olympic record.
Diaz managed to win despite her struggles on her road to Tokyo. In 2019, she asked for aid due to the lack of support from the government.
She was also falsely tagged in the so-called “oust Duterte” matrix, which accused celebrities and other individuals of conspiring against the president. Even after her recent victory, Malacañang has yet to issue an apology for the gaffe. – Rappler.com
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