Diaz’s win ended the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought.
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HIDILYN Diaz stands to receive P5 million in incentives, at the very least, for her silver-medal victory in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics.
Malacañang on Monday lauded Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning a silver medal in the 53 kilogram class at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She is also the first from her sport (and the first athlete from Mindanao) to earn a prestigious Olympic win for the Philippines.
Chinese Taipei Hsu Shu-ching finished first for completing a total weight of 212kg, Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz came in second with a total weight of 200kg while South Korea’s Yoon Jin-hee in third with 199kg. The country has earned a silver medal in the ongoing Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “We extend our sincerest congratulations and celebrate the end of the medal drought”.
“I dedicate this medal to my mother, it is her birthday today, (and) to the Philippines”, Diaz said.
Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said President Duterte is honored and proud of Diaz’s first Olympic medal after two straight field attempts.
Diaz is one of 13 Philippine athletes, competing in eight sports in the Summer Games.
The Philippines last snared an Olympic medal in the Atlanta Games in 1996 when Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco won silver in boxing.
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Before leaving for Rio Oympics, President Duterte inspired the 12-athlete Philippine team by increasing their allowance from USD1,000 to USD3,000 while from USD3,000 to Dollars 5,000 to officials.
