A biography for Hidilyn Diazhasn’t been written yet.
“Struggles? I think it's natural if you want to do something extraordinary.”
“Whatever earnings I got from winning this silver medal, part will be used for my college education.”
“I see other athletes who reached a dead end in their careers for lack of good education.”
“I don't really know why I like weightlifting, especially since training is very hard. It just came into my life and I can't live without it.”
“My main goal is to help out kids in my hometown and realize their dream in weightlifting.”
“Maybe God brought me here to inspire the youth to engage in sports and teach them the value of sports.”
“I need to continue inspiring the young generation.”
“My mum didn't want me to do weightlifting because the sport is for men.”
“I've proven that Filipino weightlifters can win a medal in the Olympics.”
“Athletes are people too, we go through a lot of things, but it all became easier when there was someone who could guide and counsel.”
“It's a must for us to get higher education since athletes seem to be contended with being good in training and in their events, happy where they are. But I try to change that mindset, let them be aware of other things and grow as a person.”
“I am hopeful that weightlifting will grow with more kids getting into the sport not just from Zamboanga City or Cebu but all over the Philippines who can become the next Hidilyn Diaz.”
“I have to sacrifice time with my family, sacrifice time with my friends, sacrifice time with studying... my work at the Philippines Air Force.”
“I was happy to complete 118kg. When I lifted it, I knew my place in the Olympics was secured.”
“Deep in my heart, I know I can surpass my personal best and win the gold but there are circumstances that are just unavoidable.”
“I'm happy when children join weightlifting and they get curious because that's how I started.”
“There are a lot of sacrifices. I know because I've won the silver in the Olympics.”
“I really wanted to push myself.”
“My father was a tricycle driver before, then he became a farmer and a fisherman.”
“If you're not willing to put in the hard work, to endure and fail, there's no point. You win only if you're willing to do whatever it takes.”