EVEN THOUGH Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo did not make the cut during last month’s Olympic weightlifting qualifier, she is still set to participate in the Paris Games after all.
Diaz-Naranjo revealed that she received an invitation to attend the quadrennial event as part of the official delegation of the International Weightlifting Federation.
Reflecting on her coming participation, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist expressed mixed emotions.
“As an athlete, there’s a part of me that’s saddened by the fact that I won’t be able to compete there. However, I am ready to embrace larger roles within weightlifting, and I am eager to contribute to the best of my ability,” said Diaz-Naranjo.
In 2022, Diaz-Naranjo was selected as one of the 10 members of the IWF Athletes Commission during elections held alongside the World Championships in Bogotá, Colombia.
Additionally, she holds a position on the Executive Board with full voting rights. She actively participated in the creation of the 2024-2032 IWF Strategic Plan, a pivotal document set to be approved by the IWF Congress in Riyadh.
During her time in Paris, Diaz-Naranjo said she would stay for the entirety of the weightlifting competition and will root for all competing athletes. She confessed though that “Deep in my heart, I will always root for our countrymen.”
Acknowledging the challenges of her new role, Diaz-Naranjo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the sport.
“Being involved in the life and decision-making process of the IWF is both a tremendous responsibility and an honor. I chose this path, and my fellow athletes have entrusted me to represent them,” she said.
Diaz-Naranjo’s bid for the Paris Olympics came to an end following her performance in the women’s 59kg category of the IWF World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand, where she was surpassed by her compatriot Elreen Ando.
Ando claimed 7th place in a fiercely competitive division, which included three gold medalists and the world-record holder Luo Shifang of China.
Other Filipino weightlifters, who secured qualification for the Paris Olympics are John Ceniza, Rosegie Ramos, and Vanessa Sarno.