Hidilyn Diaz exclusive: Paris 2024 "maybe last" Games but will be "most memorable"
The Philippine weightlifter, who made history by winning her nation's first Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020 and has inspired an entire country, spoke exclusively to Olympics.com at the 2023 Asian Games about why Paris 2024 will be so special.
Even more than half a year out, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz is already certain of one thing: the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 "will be the most memorable one".
A big statement coming from a veteran of four previous Olympic Games who won the Philippines' first ever Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020. What could possibly make Paris even bigger?
"Paris 2024 will be my fifth Olympics and maybe this will be my last," Diaz told Olympics.com in an exclusive sit-down at the Asian Games in October. "Because it's really hard to qualify in this Olympics, and I will cherish it.
"I think it'll also be the most memorable because it won't be only me. There's going to be other athletes who qualify, I think we will be four (weightlifting) athletes qualifying from Philippines."
That latter point is, partially, down to Diaz herself. A silver medal at Rio 2016 inspired people in the Philippines to take up the sport, a trend boosted further when Diaz claimed gold at Tokyo 2020 in 2021.
"It's a big responsibility (to be Olympic champion) because I have to influence the (other) athletes to do their best," Diaz said. But she is clearly proud of what she accomplished. "It's a good moment for Philippine sports.
"I can see there will be a lot of Olympians in 2024, especially in weightlifting, and I'm so happy to see that: young athletes, young Filipinos, engaging in sports. We're showing that we're strong, that we're very good in sports."
Hidilyn Diaz on the difficult transition to a new weight class
Qualifying for the Olympic Games has gotten harder in weightlifting for two reasons. The sport's total number of athletes was lowered for Paris, in addition to a reduction in the number of events.
That means Diaz, the reigning champion in the women's 55kg event, has had to move up to the 59kg weight class.
"At first, the transition from 55 to 59 was quite hard," she admitted. "I had a lot of injuries, I had a lot of doubt. But now I'm good, I'm moving forward to be there on the podium to be in Paris and I really have high hopes."
How high? She finished fourth at the Asian Games, fourth at the Asian Championships and seventh at the World Championships in her new weight category this year. Is a medal really possible?
"I want gold," Diaz stated without hesitation. "Of course. (That's) why I'm here, that's my target. I want to win the gold with the support of the Filipino people.
"It's quite hard because, of course, there's the pressure, expectation. And the pressure (from) myself. (But) to be here, I'm so grateful. It's not all the time that I have this opportunity to represent the Philippines, I have to be grateful and enjoy every moment."
Asked what keeps her going, Diaz took a moment to consider her answer before responding.
"I've been in sports for now 22 years. It's quite hard to look for motivation," she stated matter-of-factly.
"I always ask myself why I'm here and I always have doubt. But I have people behind me which is the team. They're there reminding me always, 'Hids, you're strong, you have to believe in yourself.' I have 10 months to prepare (for Paris) and I'm motivated."
What comes after for Hidilyn Diaz?
While Diaz openly admitted Paris 2024 is likely to be her last Olympic Games – she will be 37 by the time of the LA28 Games – she isn't so sure what will come after Paris. But immediate retirement is not on her mind.
"I don't know yet," she sighed. "I want to break some records in SEA Games (South-East Asian Games). For now, I'm looking forward for Paris 2024, I have the focus for that."
Away from competition, she has given back a lot to the Philippines, and that will command some of her attention.
"We have the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy, in which we're trying to build the gym now, because we have a temporary gym. When it's raining, the rains go in and we need the gym for us to build the community in our new place that we bought.
"Together with my husband, we try to help the national athletes who want to be an Olympian to be an elite athlete. And we're giving them the opportunity to train with me, to train abroad… maybe they can realise their dream in Olympics."
Always one to think about the community, Diaz provided a piece of advice for young aspiring girls who want to get into sport.
"Dream high," she said. "It's going to be hard. You have to work hard. You have to be disciplined in sports, there's no instant (result).
"You really have to work hard and be smart and choose the (right) people around you."
Hidilyn DIAZ