Follow Hidilyn Diaz’s inspiring road to defend her Olympic gold at Paris 2024. From weight class changes to mentoring the next generation, here’s how the Philippines’ first Olympic champion continues to make history in 2025.
By Miya Kassandra Lee | Sports Feature Writer, PH Sport News
June 9, 2025 – Manila, Philippines
After making history in Tokyo 2020 as the first-ever Filipino Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo set her sights on an even tougher challenge—defending that gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. It wasn’t just about lifting weights anymore; it was about lifting the expectations of a nation and the weight of legacy.
As the dust settles on Paris 2024 and preparations for the next Olympic cycle begin, let’s look back on Hidilyn Diaz’s incredible journey from champion to defender—and what lies ahead.
🏋️♀️ From History Maker to Target
When Diaz won gold in the women’s 55kg category in Tokyo, the world took notice. For the Philippines, it was a breakthrough that redefined what was possible. For Diaz, it was the reward for nearly two decades of grueling discipline, including training in makeshift gyms during lockdown.
But in the years leading up to Paris, she wasn’t just the underdog anymore—she became the one to beat.
🇵🇭 A New Chapter, New Pressure
Post-Tokyo, Diaz married her coach and partner Julius Naranjo, built her own training team, and shifted her focus to strategic strength-building and injury prevention. At 33, competing against a new wave of younger lifters, she knew Paris 2024 would require more than muscle—it demanded mental fortitude.
To adjust to the new Olympic weight categories, Diaz moved up to the 59kg class. This change meant facing tougher competition, including world champions from China, Colombia, and the United States.
🏆 Paris 2024: The Fight Continues
In the 2024 Olympic Games, held in Paris, Diaz finished a strong fourth place in the 59kg division. While she narrowly missed the podium, her performance was still historic—becoming the first Filipino athlete to compete in five consecutive Olympics (2008 to 2024).
Her resilience drew global praise, and her role as a mentor to younger lifters like Rosegie Ramos and Elreen Ando highlighted a new chapter: from lifter to leader.
🔄 What’s Next for the Queen of Philippine Weightlifting?
Now in 2025, Diaz remains active in the sport, but has shifted some focus to advocacy, mentoring, and grassroots development through her “Team HD” foundation. She continues to push for better athlete support systems and funding in the Philippines, and hints that her journey isn’t over just yet.
Whether it’s another Olympic run in 2028 or a full transition to coaching, one thing is clear: Hidilyn Diaz changed the game forever.
💬 A Legacy of Strength
Hidilyn Diaz’s road to defending her Olympic title was not defined solely by medals, but by courage, character, and country. While she may not have repeated gold in Paris, her impact has been even greater—empowering a new generation of Filipino athletes to dream bigger.
In her own words:
“Gold fades, but the inspiration you give others—that lasts forever.”
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and inspirational purposes. It does not promote commercial sports betting, gambling, or monetization of athletes’ achievements.
Miya Kassandra Lee is a passionate gamer, seasoned writer, and lifelong sports fanatic. A proud Mobile Legends player and strategist, Miya has spent the past 16 years covering everything from esports tournaments to iGaming trends and sports headlines across Southeast Asia. With her deep knowledge of digital gaming culture and a flair for storytelling, she has become a trusted voice in the gaming and sports blogging scene.
Whether it’s breaking down the latest MLBB meta, reviewing new online casino platforms, or live-tweeting a championship game, Miya brings energy, insight, and a player’s perspective to every piece she writes. When she’s not grinding the ranks in-game or drafting her next feature, you’ll find her cheering courtside, hosting gaming streams, or diving deep into the latest game patches.
“Gaming isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. And I’m here to tell those stories.”