JAKARTA, Indonesia – They may be Olympic weightlifters but the 2018 Asian Games still means a lot to Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia. 

Back in 2014, Diaz failed to make the cut by 5 kilos even though she believed she could’ve brought home a bronze. The Incheon Games heartbreak then became her motivation to strive harder, which eventually led her to to winning a historic silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Now that she’s set to compete in the continental games, Diaz hopes to capture the medal that eluded her. 

“Gusto ko medal, kahit anong kulay yan, basta makapaglaro ako ng Asian Games. Ito yung comeback ko, and gagawin kong lahat,” said Diaz. 

(I want to win a medal, whatever color, as long as I’ll be able to play in the Asian Games. This is my comeback, and I will do everything.) 

For Colonia, the Asian Games might be his chance to get back on the podium two years after sustaining a knee injury. 

Colonia has been in fine form this year, but he he hopes to reach his personal best once again to bag a medal in the Asiad. 

“Kakagaling ko lang sa injury kasi, so ngayon nakakarecover na ako, so ang kailangan lang habulin ko is yung personal best ko para magkamedal sa Asian Games,” said Colonia. 

(I just came back from an injury. I was able just able to recover now, so I have to reach my personal best in order to win a medal in the Asian Games.)  

The 2018 Asian Games weightlifting competition gets going on Monday, August 20. – Rappler.com