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Hidilyn Diaz successfully lifts first attempt in snatch at 63 kgs in women’s 59 kgs class of weightlifting at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou on October 2, 2023. PSC-POC Media Pool/File
MANILA – Despite having missed out on the Paris Olympics in 2024, Filipina weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo is still determined to keep competing.
The country's first Olympic gold medalist is preparing for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games to be held in December in Thailand, where she is gearing up to compete in the women's 58-kilogram category of the regional meet.
"I'm preparing for the SEA Games. Maglalaro po ako sa SEA Games ngayong December. Again, depende sa Philippine delegation, pero maglalaro po ako," the Olympic gold medalist said.
"Bumabalik ako parati sa why. It's always to represent my country and doing my best for the Philippines in weightlifting and also to inspire young Filipinos," she added.
Diaz-Naranjo previously won two gold medals in the 55-kilogram category and two silvers in the 58-kilogram category.
The Filipina weightlifter shared how she is balancing her training for the SEA Games, while coaching students for the upcoming Batang Pinoy, giving talks in the sports community and her work for grassroots development.
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"Yes, [I'm] very busy. Pero ayun nga, kung may tinatarget ka, you prioritize training kahit saan ka man. Kaya tinatanong ko talaga sa hotel kung may gym ba sila. Baka pwede akong mag-training doon. Then, mag-training ako kahit saan akong lugar," Diaz-Naranjo shared.
"Second is, hindi ko sinasabayan na training and coaching... So, marami sila. 40, minsan 15 sa isang session. Tapos magkasama kami. So, biglang sira yung training ko. So, minsan nag-training ako before or after nila para makapag-focus ako," she explained.
With less than three months left until the SEA Games, Diaz-Naranjo said she needs to be more committed and focused in training and with her diet.
"Actually, mga last two weeks, medyo hindi pa ako prepared. Pero ngayon, pine-prepare ko na yung mindset ko. So, every week, may mental training na. Magkakaroon ng mental training," she shared.
"Then, sa training continuous na, consistent sa training. And then, para hindi ma-injury, kasi parati ako na-injured. Kasi nga maraming, sobrang busy din, training agad. So, kailangan, kahit busy, training pa rin para consistent ang training. Then, pagkain," Diaz-Naranjo added.
When asked how prepared she is as of now, Diaz-Naranjo assured she's getting there.
"How [prepared?] Sorry to say, nasa 70 pa lang. So, restart ako. Nag-ttraining ako, pero iba yung talagang from mag-start ako sa anong ginawa ko nung sa Olympics. So, to focus again," the Filipina weightlifter shared.
Last June, Diaz-Naranjo returned to competition in the National Weightlifting Championships held in Dumaguete City.
Although she was glad she bagged silver, she believes she could have done better.
"Actually, sobrang busy din nung time na yun because ako yung tournament director ng Palarong Pambansa demo sports. So, we have to do the competitions. We have to lead the technical officials also. So, masaya ko. At least, nakapag-perform ako," she shared.
"Nung June, sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na bare minimum lang gagawin ko. Pero after nung snatch, clean and jerk, umiiyak ako. Sabi ko, hindi ako ganito. Hindi pwede ganito lang ang bubuhatin ko. I have to do my best. Kasi andiyan mga bata nanonood sa akin. Hindi pwede hindi ako magbubuhat ng best ko," the 34-year-old added.
ROAD TO LOS ANGELES 2028?
Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo with husband Julius Naranjo at the premiere of the short film "Lifting Makes Me Lift Others" at TheRack.Co Buhat Buhat Basement in Mandaluyong City, September 17, 2025. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
Diaz-Naranjo earlier said she aims to make her last Olympic run in Los Angeles 2028. But she clarified that her plans may change depending on various factors.
"Actually, depende. Depende sa kung anong bodyweight na ilalabas ng IWF [International Weightlifting Federation] para sa Olympics. So, medyo hindi ko pa alam kung anong mangyayari sa LA 2028," she said.
"For now, SEA Games muna, then enjoy it. For me, kasi mas importante na-eenjoy ko yung sports. Kasi mahirap kung, mahirap yung nag-ttraining ako, then hindi ko mahal ang ginagawa ko," the Filipina weightlifter added.
Diaz-Naranjo likewise said her personal goals, especially for her family, will come first when the time comes.
"Actually, talagang ito yung sinasabi ko parati na sana may baby na. Pero hindi siya pwedeng sabihin lang eh. God's will talaga. We're trying, pero hindi siya ganun kadali. And for now, focus muna kami sa SEA Games," she added.