Hidilyn Diaz wins first gold for Philippines in Asian Games

Hidilyn Diaz has brought home the first gold medal for the Philippines in the Asian Games, besting competitors from other countries in the women’s 53-kilograms division in weightlifting.

Prior to Diaz’s amazing feat, the Philippines was sitting on four bronze medals in the Jakarta Games.

Diaz competed with 11 athletes including fellow Filipina Dessa Delos Santos, who finished at 8th with 180 kilograms. She won the gold by lifting 92 kilograms in the snatch and 115 kilograms in the clean and jerk, which gave her a total of 207 kilograms.

Turkmenistan’s Kristina Shermetova actually had the lead after topping the snatch with 93 kilograms. However, she failed in her attempt to jerk 116 kilograms. Her clean and jerk was listed at 93 kilograms, relegating her to silver.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao won the bronze medal with a total lift of 201 kilograms.

Diaz said that her recent win in the Asian Games boosted her confidence in winning gold at the Olympics.

“I am grateful to God that I won the gold medal that all of us Filipinos dream of. This proves the Olympic gold medal is possible,” she said.