Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at peace with her body after being teased for her muscles; wants to be an inspiration for kids
- The 30-year-old Rio 2016 silver medallist says she is now proud of her achievements but admits she used to be shy about her build
- The Asian Games champion says her mother initially did not want her to be a weightlifter, saying ‘no man will like you’
Philippines weightlifting star Hidilyn Diaz said coming to terms with her body after being mocked for her muscles has helped her thrive in the sport as she targets a historic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The 30-year-old from Zamboanga said she had been blessed with a muscular frame since her young days, with her physical attributes and strength helping her to the silver medal in the women’s 53kg category at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
She wants to go one better in Tokyo when she competes in the 55kg event by becoming her country’s first gold medallist and inspire kids to feel secure about their bodies.
“Way back, I didn’t really appreciate who I was,” Diaz told the Post. “I was insecure with my body, with the muscles I have. But I have learned to overcome that now.
“When I appreciate my body, when I appreciate my sport, when I appreciate myself, that is the time I do my best in training and in competition. I do my best because this is the sport I love.