HIDILYN DIAZ

ALT Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz makes history as she takes home the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medal (Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Hidilyn Diaz

A Filipino weightlifter and airwoman who won the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines in the 2020 Summer Olympics

Early life and education

Born in Zamboanga City as the fifth of six children, Diaz learned weightlifting from her cousins and pursued a degree in computer science at Universidad de Zamboanga before switching to business management at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Hidilyn Diaz's victory at 2020 Summer Olympics

Hidilyn Diaz waving at the 19th Asian Games

Weightlifting career

Diaz competed in four consecutive Olympics from 2008 to 2020, winning a silver medal in 2016 and a gold medal in 2020. She also won medals in various Asian and Southeast Asian Games, World Championships, and other international competitions. She set Olympic records in the women’s 55 kg category for weightlifting in 2020 Summer Olympics

Personal life and honors

Diaz is a devout Catholic and married to Julius Naranjo, a former weightlifter and coach. She is also a staff sergeant in the Philippine Air Force and has received numerous awards and incentives from the government and the private sector. She was falsely accused of being involved in an ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019.