The Zamboanga City native won the silver medal of the women's 53kg weightlifting with a total of 210kg at the Rio Olympic Games here on Sunday, ending the country's 20-year Olympic medal drought and becoming the first ever Filipina medalist in the games. The Philippines’ last Olympic medal came in the Atlanta Games in 1996 when Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco settled for a silver in boxing. RIO DE JANEIROLike a thief in the night, when no one was looking, Hidilyn Diaz made history for the Philippines. She impressed critics in her Olympic debut in Beijing eight years ago despite coming up empty-handed. Now, my sacrifices have paid off,” said a tearful Diaz at the medal ceremonies.

Source: The Standard August 08, 2016 01:52 UTC