MANILA, Philippines (AP) " The Philippines celebrates the silver medal win of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro " and a break to the 20-year medal drought for the Southeast Asian country. The three-time Olympian's medal is the Philippines' first since boxer Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco won the silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Vice President Leni Robredo says Diaz serves as an inspiration to every Filipino and a reminder that no challenge is too heavy for a Filipino woman to overcome. He says the president has sent his congratulations to the athlete, an Air Force soldier, who has brought honor to the country. President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella said Monday Duterte joins Filipinos in celebrating Diaz' victory.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 08, 2016 15:56 UTC