Filipino sporting icon Hidilyn Diaz is expecting a tough battle on Sunday when she competes in the 58kg class of weightlifting in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games at the Chonburi Sports School in Chonburi, Thailand.
Already the winner of five SEA Games medals, Diaz vows to do her best to get a sixth though she acknowledges that her preparation for the competition was not smooth.
"Parati kong sinasabi na I will do my best. Medyo mahirap 'yung preparasyon ko," Diaz told the Philippine Olympic Committee Media on Saturday, at the sidelines of the competition.
"'Yung preparation kasi na being an athlete na may goal ka, hindi ako ganoon ngayon eh. Ang dami kong ginagawa on the side," added the veteran, who now has her own weightlifting academy and also oversaw the inclusion of the sport in the Palarong Pambansa earlier this year.
READ: Despite busy schedule, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo eyes consistent training for SEA Games
Diaz also points out that she will be facing world-class opponents on Sunday, as many Southeast Asian weightlifters have also qualified to compete in the Olympics.
"Dito pa lang sa Southeast Asia, talagang Olympics na ang standard ang weightlifting," she said. "Hindi ko masasabi kung anong magiging resulta bukas, pero magiging close fight 'yun."
"No promises for gold," Diaz added. "Gagawin ko 'yung best ko."
What has not changed for Diaz is the pride she feels whenever she represents the Philippines, and the weightlifter said she is as excited as ever to compete in the regional showcase.
"Yung nerbyos andoon talaga. Just (like) any other Filipino athlete, same sa akin. Ganoon din yung excitement, preparation and yung love din to represent the Philippines is andoon talaga," she said.
"Iba din 'pag SEA Games ang pinupuntahan," said Diaz, who has two SEA Games gold medals in a collection that also includes an Olympic gold and silver.