Hidilyn Diaz flies home as hero’s welcome awaits

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Hidilyn Diaz flies home as hero’s welcome awaits

EPA

Weightlifter Diaz, the Philippines' first medalist in 20 years, will return to the Philippines as a conquering hero after earning silver in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz bid her teammates goodbye Tuesday, August 11 then boarded an Emirates flight back to the Philippines where she will be treated like a conquering hero the moment she lands at the airport.

Diaz joined the Philippine delegation here in a thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Philippine Olympic Committee. From the restaurant, she and fellow weightlifter Nestor Colonia, and coach Alfonso Aldanete were brought to the airport.

They were scheduled to depart at 2 am Wednesday for a journey that will take at least 25 hours via Dubai. POC second vice president Colonel Jeff Tamayo accompanied the small but victorious group in the long flight back home.

Diaz was toasted and cheered during the dinner of Brazilian steak, salad and wine. The Philippine Ambassador to Brazil, Jose Burgos, graced the affair, among other guests, including Brazilians who work for the Games.

The 25-year-old Diaz, who gave the Philippines its first Olympic medal in 20 years, held back her tears as she bid her teammates, including those who are still in contention, goodbye. Most of them have been here in Rio since July 23.

Excited na ako umuwi pero malungkot din ako kasi iiwan ko na kayo. Napamahal na ako sa lahat ng kasama ko dito,” said Diaz, who added that she can’t wait to see her parents, Eduardo and Emelita, once she arrives in Manila.

(I’m excited to go home but I’m also said because I’ll be leaving you guys. I love all my companions here.)

Diaz’s parents will be flown to Manila from Zamboanga City. From the NAIA Terminal 3, the country’s first weightlifter to win an Olympic medal will be taken to Resorts World where she and her family, and her two other companions will stay overnight.

A press conference is being planned at around 6 pm at the hotel. If plans push through, Diaz and company will be flown to Zamboanga City the following day on board a private plane courtesy of sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan. 

Diaz wants to spend time with her family and enjoy the fiesta in their hometown of Mambang in Zamboanga on Sunday

There’s also word that President Duterte wants to see Diaz as early as possible and that the meeting could take place in Davao.

“Good luck sa inyo. Kaya niyo yan,” said Diaz, referring to 6 of her teammates who are still seeing action it the Rio Olympics. 

(Good luck to you all. You can do it.)

They are swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi, who will race in the women’s 100m freestyle at 1 pm on Wednesday, golfer Miguel Tabuena who will compete from August 11 to 14, marathoner Mary Joy Tabal who will race on August 14, and long jumper Marestella Torres Sunang and 400m hurdles entry Eric Cray who will both see action on August 16.

Taekwondo’s Kirstie Elaine Alora will be the last Filipino athlete to compete in this Summer Games, in the women’s +67 kg class on August 20, which is the eve of the closing ceremony.

“Like everybody else in our team, I will do my best,” said Akhaldi, who’s in her second straight Olympics. She said she worked hard in training in Hawaii, under coach Jennifer Buffin, and hoped to do better than she did in 2012 in London.

“I felt I was too young then. I felt like a baby in the waters,” said the 23-year-old Alkhaldi. “This time I’m more comfortable. I feel better competing now.”

Tabuena, who’s enjoying the best season of his young professional career, is confident that he can put up a good show against the world’s best, including Justine Rose, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson.

Not in the field are top guns Jason Day and Rory McIlroy.

“I guess that makes it a little easier for us,” said Tabuena, will tee off at the par-71 Olympic Golf Course at 9:47 a.m. (8:47 p.m. in Manila), together with Yuta Ikeda and Roope Kako.

Filipino athletes who have bowed out of the competition here are boxers Charly Suarez and Rogen Ladon, table tennis’ Ian Lariba, swimmer Jessie Khing Lacuna, judoka Kodo Nakano and Colonia.

Nakano, a last-minute substitute, was overpowered by Italy’s Marconcini Mateo in only one minute and 19 seconds by Ippon Tuesday morning.

Nakano, a first-time Olympian, couldn’t handle his Italian opponent, a silver medalist in the Almaty Grand Prix in Kazahkstan this past May.

Malakas. Magaling,” said Nakano.

(Strong. Good.)

The Filipino-Japanese was still feeling the effects of jetlag, arriving here in Rio barely 4 days ago as a late replacement for an Iranian who withdrew at the last minute.

“I’m still happy. Olympics,” said Nakano.

Laban not very good (Fight not very good),” added the judoka who hopes to represent the country in more international competitions like the SEA Games, Asian Games or World Championships. – Rappler.com 

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