Hidilyn Diaz ready for 2028 Olympics, but family first

Olympic weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz targets one last run in Los Angeles 2028, but shares plans to start a family as well

MANILA, Philippines – Weightlifting superstar Hidilyn Diaz thinks the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics might just be her swan song. 

Although she fell short in the Paris qualifiers last year, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist aims to go at it one more time.

But Diaz, who will be 37 by the next edition of the Summer Games, admits she also plans to start a family.

“For me, I still have the fire. I still love the sport. I will always love the sport. But I know I can still do it,” said Diaz, who won a historic Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.

“I could still commit, and that is why I said I’m looking forward in 2028. But again, it depends. If I get pregnant, I will prioritize my family.”

Pregnancy among active weightlifting is nothing new, according to Diaz, but they will have to continue building muscles.

After giving birth, athletes go through a brief recovery period, then start training once again, to build more muscles, she shared.

Diaz recently served as tournament director of the Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Sur, where weightlifting debuted as a demo sport. 

But aside from mentoring, she’s also planning to compete in the 2025 National Weightlifting Championships in Dumaguete City from June 7-12.

After that, she’s setting her sights on the 2025 IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Førde, Norway in October, then the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

If ever Diaz decides to finally retire, she expressed her desire to stay in the sport that molded her to become one of the most successful Filipino athletes of all time.

“I will probably become a sports leader, and that is what I’m doing right now,” said Diaz, a former Philippine Olympic Committee Athlete’s Commission chair.

“But it will be more on inspiring young athletes and to have [a larger sports] family.”

On Thursday, June 5, Diaz was one of the several people introduced by Filipino fast food chain Jollibee as one of its brand ambassadors under its “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy” campaign, which aims to celebrate Filipino excellence. 

Also recognized were fellow Olympians Carlos Yulo and EJ Obiena, who were both unable to attend the event due to ongoing competitions.

Feted as well were Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, national esports team SIBOL, designer QUICCS Maiquez, the UPeepz dance squad, and Dr. Reina Reyes, a globally acclaimed astrophysicist.

Pieces of memorabilia such as Diaz’s Olympic gold medal, Wurtzbach’s signature blue gown and Miss Universe sash, and Dr. Reyes’ many plaques of recognition were on display during the launch event in Makati. – Rappler.com