First Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz expressed her enthusiasm on Saturday about the possibility of teaching at the University of the Philippines. “Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo na excited na ako sa posibilidad na magbahagi pa ako ng aking karanasan at mga natutunan at magturo dito sa inyong unibersidad. Sana matuloy ito,” she said. (I am happy to share with you that I am excited at the possibility I might share my experience and what I have learned and teach at your university. I hope it pushes through.)
Diaz was a guest speaker at the recognition rites of the College of Human Kinetics in UP Diliman, where she reflected on her historic win at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. “It’s not just me lifting the weights. We lifted history. We lifted every Filipino’s dream,” she recalled. She emphasized that her achievement was a result of teamwork and service, encouraging fresh graduates to engage in grassroots training and community initiatives.
“Bukod sa pansariling paglago, lagi rin nating isipin kung paano tayo makapagbigay ng kontribusyon sa bayan,” she told the graduates. (Beyond personal development, we must also always keep in mind how we can contribute to the nation.)
“Tandaan ninyo: ang tunay na lakas ay hindi lamang sa pagbuhat ng mabibigat na bagay, kung hindi sa pagtutulungan at paglilingkod sa kapwa,” she added. (Remember that true strength is not just in lifting heavy objects but in helping and serving others.)
In 2024, on the anniversary of her Olympic win, Diaz will inaugurate the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy, which aims to provide training programs for future weightlifters and athletes aspiring to represent the country in various competitions. Weightlifting and weight training courses will be available as optional Physical Education subjects and required courses for Sports Science majors, according to UP Diliman’s Computerized Registration System (CRS) and the Office of the University Registrar.